Growing into a teenager means growing out of many things. At a certain point, a teen would rather attend a costume party on Halloween than dress up to grovel for candy. The neighbors always seem to lose their smiles when they find that the knock on their door was from a ‘big kid’ and not a cute toddler anyway.

New Years Eve rolls around and these teens decide that kissing no longer triggers a gag reflex. So, they try to find a midnight kiss for themselves, rather than watching their parents share one.

Fourth of July suddenly becomes more about wearing a trendy outfit and tweeting things such as OMG I just like totally love America.

Growing up means growing distant from childhood traditions. However, there are a few holidays that seem to have escaped the clutches of teenagers, one being Easter Sunday. Sure, you might not want to hunt for eggs anymore, but it is unlikely that you will be granted a way out of a gathering like with Halloween or New Years. You will most likely not be able to evade dinner with the family. 

But not just your immediate family…the whole family.

Many of us dread the time when our relatives pile into one house and share a table. Not because we do not love them, but because we do not like them. Most of the time, anyway.

But you might as well make the best of it, or at least learn to cope. Here are a few tips to help you get through an afternoon with all of your favorite relatives.

1. Make friends with a baby and/or pet

You are going to need someone to help you get through this. A baby is always a good companion because, unlike others, they do not judge you, or at least cannot tell you if they are judging. A baby is also a shield, for if you are getting pelted with unwelcome questions, you can excuse yourself because the baby is hungry, tired, or whatever else you can think of. Similarly, a pet is a great way to stay busy and is sure to keep you smiling. Plus, if you are-force fed more food from your grandma and are just too full, a dog has always got your back and will finish it for you. 

2. Channel your anger into a pillow

There goes grandpa again, ranting about political ideals that are much too outdated. And then there is Aunt Becky, scrutinizing your outfit and probing you with relationship questions. You cannot be rude to them; you must smile and reply politely. But holding all this anger in is quite unhealthy, which is why you should immediately grab the nearest pillow. Why a pillow, you ask? Well, when the anger builds up and is too much to handle, you have an object to muffle your screams. Go into a back room, let it out, and return fresh-faced and smiling as if nothing happened at all. You will probably need to repeat this method several times.

3. Have a list ready

When those ‘what have you done/what are you doing with your life’ questions start coming, it is a good idea to have a premade list of your goals and achievements on hand. You will need many copies of this list, as the question will come several different times from several different people. Simply hand the list to whomever has asked you, and just like that, you have avoided a long conversation.

4. Find a neutral catchphrase

When your relatives start to make speeches with opinions that make your blood boil, it is hard to bite your tongue. Instead, have a phrase ready to allow yourself a neutral response. Try phrases such as, “Interesting…” or “Thanks for sharing.” Try not to be condescending if you can. Perhaps envision yourself as a scientist exploring the behaviors of these bizarre creatures; maybe then you can remain unbiased.

5. Try to remember why you love them

In all seriousness, spending time with your relatives is a great thing. Yes, you may disagree with them, and yes, they may annoy you. But family is family. They love you unconditionally, it is their job, so you should appreciate getting to spend time with them. Perhaps you can even learn something from one of them (Is that a bit of a stretch?)

But really, if you are nervous about a family gathering this Easter, just remember that your relatives have good hearts and are very well-intentioned. Family is everything.

Good luck this Easter, Pumas!