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But there's a dark side to the holidays: the stress of finding the perfect presents for everyone, finals week, and going back home to to be swarmed with your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and little cousins -- literally, everyone and their mom under one roof.

Sure, initially it’s a great time when you go back home and you get to be with your parents: you don’t have to cook dinner for yourself, your laundry is done and folded for you, and the pantry is always stocked. But then three days go by and your parents are asking you why you're still single, what you're going to do with your life, and, "Did you pick up your sister from soccer practice?!"

When you come back from picking up your sister, these questions remind you why you moved out in the first place. And then your extended family arrives, and that confirms it.

While some live for the family gathering aspect of the holidays, not everyone is gifted with the perfect family that gets along 24/7. So, here are some thoughts, tips, and reminders to ponder that will help you keep your cool and get you through the holiday madness that is your famiy as stress-free as possible.

The Parents: Remembering the fact that your parents only have good intentions (and all parents do when they nag) will help you not snap back at your mom when she tells you to clean up your room for the fifth time. Your parents only want you to succeed (and be neat) because they love you.

The Siblings: Siblings come in many shapes and sizes. There’s the overachiever, the hater, the judger, the bully... But whatever type of sibling you may have, and no matter how dumb the fights, you are stuck with each other for the rest of your lives. Let the perpetuity of that thought sink in and influence you to be nicer to your siblings.

The Significant Other Of Said Sibling: They might actually be cool if they’re trying to impress the rest of the family. Use this to your advantage.

Extended Family: There are some great times that come with having your mom or dad’s siblings around. First of all, they have stories of your parents when they were teenagers. If approached correctly, possibilities are endless. Knowledge is power, people.

Secondly, the funcle. You know, the fun uncle. Whether or not he’s actually cool, you’re bound to be laughing with and/or at him. He may also be the uncle that teaches by example on what not to do when you're 40.

And your grandparents -- they're really good sitting partners. Especially after you pass out from the multitude of holiday feasts.

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In all seriousness, if your family really gets on your nerves this season, just sit, take a deep breath, and remember how lucky you are to have parents, siblings, and extended family to nag you, fix your tie, wrestle you to the ground, and kiss you on the cheek. 

Also, being home means being with your dog, and he’s just as excited about the season as you are.