Holiday Coping Strategy

Family is sure to delight one another this season -- that is, when they are not annoying one another. Here are some astrological tips to help you cope!

ARIES: While many signs benefit by being more assertive and honest with family, Aries is already more honest and assertive than necessary. A gentle, non-confrontational approach to communication is favored. Lie if you must. Defer if you can. Try flattery and sweetness, then duck out. This strategy of staying out of the fire may seem difficult for you at first, but you'll be surprised at how much energy you gain by steering clear of the drama. TAURUS: When things get hectic and there are many different personalities involved, adhering to a schedule, or at least an order of events, helps you maintain your sanity. Listen up and ask questions so that you're in the know about the holiday logistics. Once you figure out what everyone is doing, you can relax. GEMINI: Others may get stressed over the holiday hubbub, but you really enjoy it. So you don't need a strategy so much as a purpose -- to help others have as much fun as you. Revel in the hilarious conversations and the lively exchanges of advice, gifts, food and wit. CANCER: Much of the cooking, entertaining, lodging, gifting and generally managing the season will fall on your shoulders, even if that wasn't the original plan. Taking on responsibility for the holidays is like a compulsion. You can't not do it. Get lots of sleep and you'll be able to manage this without too much irritation. LEO: You are likely to experience performance anxiety this time of year as you put a lot of pressure on yourself to deliver an unforgettable holiday experience to your people. You feel you must put your personal style stamp on every gift, gesture and sentiment you extend. This can be exhausting. Go easy on yourself. It's fine to conform sometimes by just buying a card and signing it. VIRGO: Take that long list you made of must-do holiday preparations -- everything from wrapping presents to picking up Aunt Jan at the airport -- and rip it in half. There -- that's how much you can do comfortable and still have fun. LIBRA: Give up trying to make sure everyone is getting along and concentrate on what makes you happy. Like decorating! Get out the icing and sprinkles, the glitter glue and garlands, and holiday-ize to your heart's content. SCORPIO: The most important criterion for determining the success or failure of a gathering is how well you connect with others. Nothing else matters. So as long as you sincerely try to reach out, you'll win. SAGITTARIUS: Do it your way. Sometimes that means not being a part of certain festivities, but you have to be true to your own feelings. You're more loving when you realize that you're free. CAPRICORN: Mistakes will happen and that's part of the fun. So embrace it. The flaws lend personality to your family time together and will also be a story for the ages. AQUARIUS: Set differences aside. Also set aside expectations, grievances and your attachment to any outcome whatsoever. What you get in return is sheer happiness. PISCES: You're happy and loving when you're creative. So indulge your proclivities and explore your talents throughout the season.