11 Ways to Make It Through the Holidays When You Hate the Holidays

Holiday time is like sensory overload. It seems like everyone wants your attention, and everywhere you turn there is another party to go to or obligation to fulfill. Give yourself permission to take a time out, wherever you are. Head to the bathroom and play a game on your phone. Excuse yourself for some fresh air. Collect your thoughts and your feelings and get back to business.

Plan a massage. Take time to read that book you wanted to read. Go out to dinner solo. Do something that makes you feel good and will help you forget about everything else.

There is no rule that says you have to decorate. So don't if you don't feel like it. Or maybe throw a festive blanket across the couch — no muss, no fuss, and done when you feel like being done.

It's a seriously busy time. If you already hate the holidays and say yes to every holiday gathering, you're going to be resentful in a week. Save your energy for the important things.

I know with my family there is a lot of emphasis on dressing up in the colors of the season. My red shirt doesn't make me feel the best, so guess what? I'm going black this year because my black shirt makes me feel amazing. If you have to go, be comfortable.

You know that everywhere you go, Nat King Cole is going to be blasting from the speakers, and if you hear "Holly Jolly Christmas" one more time, you're going to throw up. Make yourself an awesome playlist to put on the minute you get in the car — or even while you walk around the mall and shop.

If you're not about the holidays, almost everything will annoy you. Traffic is worse, lines are horrible, and your favorite candle is going to sell out — it always does. Taking some time out to meditate will realign your center and calm your nerves, giving you the tolerance you'll need to take on the day.

We all have those holiday obligations we can't get out of. That's a negative. But turn that frown upside down. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or a dessert you will look forward to having. The experience won't be all bad if you know something good is coming with you.

Try to maintain your regular habits during the holiday season — including eating, drinking, sleeping, and exercising. You will feel much more balanced if you're not off-track.

Have a plan of attack for exiting a holiday gathering when things get too hot to handle. And if you know you're not one for sticking around, set the scene early and tell people you can't stay too long because you have another obligation. They don't have to know that obligation is cuddling with your cat, hot chocolate, and a horror movie.

Just because you're not about the holidays doesn't give you the right to be a wet blanket and damper everyone else's spirits. In some instances, you need to just face the season and put on a smile. Don't tell anyone you have a countdown clock to Jan. 1 in your bedroom, though. That's TMI.