Insights

The holidays are always a stressful time for me. Its not that I hate my family but I cant stand being around them for lengthy periods of time. Its a dysfunctional environment and I feel as if I am constantly walking on eggshells, biting my lips desperately trying not to say or do anything that will offend anyone. But all this is done in vain because every year I am left playing peace-keeper to a hostile family bent on acting out their aggressions with anyone that gets in their way.
I think alcohol is what fuels this hostile environment. Which is no big surprise since my mom is an ex-bartender and she is not necessarily the soberest person to be around. Hell my sister and I were even permitted to drink Wine Coolers at 7 and 10 years old. Alcohol has always been part of my life. I don't want to say that my family is a bunch of drunks but whenever a family crisis occurs you can bet your life that Alcohol was involved.
But I digress, I dislike Christmas because in my family, this environment allows people to gather that are guaranteed to clash. During Christmas, someone always ends up having their feelings hurt; it is like an inevitable family tradition that during Christmas there well always be at least one person unhappy.
But alas I am relieved now that Christmas is over and done with. I can now return to the safety of my mundane life not that its any less dysfunctional but there is only so much quality family time I can put up with before ultimately succumbing to a nervous breakdown. How did you guys spend your holidays?