Tips to Survive Spending Holidays With Your In-Laws

If you can, have the holiday celebration in your own territory. If you host the holiday dinner, you have control over the guest list and when people are told to arrive. Plus, you know all of the best hiding spots for when you need a break from the in-law madness.

In order to survive, you may need to compromise. If your mother in law insists on making the dish for dinner that you really wanted to make, let her do it. If you say no, you risk having two of the same meal, or her criticizing you and your meal throughout dinner. Just let her have her glory - you'll get your turn to make that item at some point.

Engage your in-laws in conversation. That way, you'll know that you gave them time and attention, which is probably what they want. Be sure to thank them for coming and for whatever they bring. Keep the peace, even if there is hostility in the air.

If your in-laws say something offensive, smile and laugh it off. There is no reason to start drama at what should be a happy occasion. You may argue like crazy at other times, but the holidays are one time that it's important to keep the peace.

Keep your MP3 player handy. If you need to take a few minutes to yourself, then step into a quiet room and listen to some music to relax. Or, if you're in charge of cooking and your in-laws won't leave you alone, turn on that MP3 player and tell everyone that you need to finish cooking in peace. Thank everyone for wanting to help, but let them know that you need some time to yourself to finish this up because they should be relaxing and enjoying themselves.

Have a holiday movie ready to be played. If your in-laws start prying too much (like asking when you're planning to have a baby when you're clearly not ready), then pop in the movie. You're ensuring yourself some quiet time.

If you have to visit your in-laws that live out of state, decline the invitation to sleep over at their place in favor of a romantic hotel for you and your significant other, or if you've got kids, a fun family-friendly hotel. It'll cost you money, but what you spend in cash, you'll save in sanity.

If you're visiting the home of your mother and father in law, make sure your significant other knows that you don't intend to overstay your welcome - or stay too long at all. Enjoy the fun, food and festivities, but don't think that you need to be the last to leave. You're adults - his parents are important, but you also need alone time.