Once the first couple of holiday parties have passed, and the stress of shopping and travel kick in, the magic of Christmas starts to dull a little.
Here you are, trying to enjoy a candy cane and Nat King Cole, and the holidays have become a never-ending to-do list that just won’t let up. And what’s at the end of all the hustle and bustle? A rushed, chaotic evening with your entire crazy extended family.
Never fear, because you’re not alone. Take a deep breath, and remember that your Christmas could always be a little bit crazier, and a lot weirder. After all, that’s how stock photography has perceived this season.
1. You might think your family is dysfunctional at Christmas.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, RICHLEGG
2. But in reality, whose family isn’t a little weird?
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, RYANJLANE
3. Even your drunk uncle screaming about politics isn’t so bad, in retrospect.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, RONTECH2000
4. Don’t be overwhelmed with decorating — keep it simple.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, ALIJA
5. The same goes for shopping and gift wrapping.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, MEDIAPHOTOS
6. Be sure to keep the pets out of the kitchen, lest you want a Christmas disaster.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, IGORR1
7. But even if the turkey burns, party subs never fail when you’re in a jam.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, MEDIAPHOTOS
8. Try to remember what the spirit of Christmas is really about ….
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, FOTOFREAKS
9. … It’s about day-dreaming for the year you finally skip Christmas and go on vacation.
IMAGE: 4FR
10. And stop stressing over the perfect holiday look.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, RAZOOM GAMES
11. At least you’re out of your alternative phase.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, CAMROCKER
12. Remember that when you’re shaking your head at your high school cousin.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, OLGAECAT
13. So don’t worry about making it a holiday your family won’t soon forget.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, MATTOMATTEO
14. One day, you’ll have a Mele Kalikimaka.
IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO, LISA-BLUE
