These were my tips for avoiding those relatives you only see at Christmas that you can’t stand, but can’t completely avoid. photo credit: BigPilou Here are your options: 1- A few tokes of weed just before hand. Limit to two or three if you have problems with lah. For medicinal purposes, of course, for those with prescriptions only. #allegedly 2- have just enough of a light liquor to be bordering on tipsy. 3- Meet them in a noisy place where they can’t talk to you. 4- If they’re not the type to talk during a show meet them for a movie or play, then leave or arrange to be accosted by friends afterward. 5- If they’re cousin-types who are single: Set them up on a blind date with someone you’re not that close to, then leave early to give them some time “to be alone”. 6- Fuck em. Give them a phone call and be on your way. 7- Leave town right after Christmas, by train, somewhere close, and visit some people you Really like. Call it a New Year’s trip and don’t come back until the second. 8- Hide in your house. So it all boils down to avoid, distract, or deflect – sometimes a combination of the two. Merry Christmas. You’re welcome.