Christmas comes only once a year, thankfully, because if you had to endure it on a weekly / monthly basis, we'd all go mad.
There's so many things that can wear you down over the Christmas period - it might be having to make small talk with relatives you see only once a year, it can be the pounds upon pounds of food, it could even be returning home and seeing people from school who you'd cross the street to avoid.
So, to keep you abreast of the situation and to help you get through the Christmas period, we've come up with eleven things you'll need to stay strong for over Christmas.
Take a look!
11. HANGING OUT WITH YOUR PARENTS AND NOT KILLING EACH OTHER
Yes, I'm fine. No, I'm not seeing anyone. Oh, I don't know, it just didn't work out. Ah-huh. No, I didn't know your friend has a son / daughter who's also single. No, I'm not going to ring them because I don't know them. Yes, I'm happy dying alone if it means I don't have to go through this every Christmas.
"Take a picture! I want to print it off!" Nobody prints off photos anymore, Mam. "How does this camera work?!"
10. YOUR EX TRYING TO REINTRODUCE THEMSELVES INTO YOUR LIFE
It often happens when you return home and you find yourself back with your old social grouping. It all becomes a little bit comfortable until you see your ex from home and realise there was a reason why you dumped them and why you don't hang out all that much at home anymore. Sure, they'll be funny and make you laugh, but you'll remember why you left in the first place. Stay strong and hold on.
9. THE CRASH FROM EATING TOO MUCH
Pace yourselves. That third Selection Box isn't going anywhere.
8. DEALING WITH THE SAME PEOPLE FROM HOME
Much like your ex, it's the kind of thing that you slowly begin to realise when, where and why you left these people behind. Oh, you still hang out at the school? Cool. You're still going to the local? Hah, that's mad. Good stuff. Meanwhile, you're trying to stay civil and not actually feel terrible about it all.
7. THE STRESS OF DINNER AND ALL THAT COMES WITH IT
The Christmas Dinner is organised like a military operation. You need to synchronise your watch, make sure all elements are in place and cope with people hurtling through the kitchen in the middle of it all. It's a well-oiled machine and people trying to do the whole Christmas Cracker thing in the middle of sorting out a turkey is a recipe for disaster.
6. THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF NOT ACHIEVING ANY OF YOUR GOALS IN THE YEAR
So you thought you'd get that book written before the end of the year? Not to worry, there's always next year. Didn't hit your fitness goal for 2016? Hey, David Bowie and Prince died this year; that really took its toll on the world. We all needed a break and maybe the gym membership did lapse, but at least you put that money to good use.
5. FEIGNING BEING HAPPY WITH YOUR PRESENTS
Oh yes, I totally wanted this maroon jumper with white stripes going through it! I'll definitely wear it. When I'm hungover and need something very warm and I don't mind getting sick all over..
4. COMING UP WITH A GOOD EXCUSE NOT TO GO ANYWHERE
Yes, the stress of repeatedly lying to each and every person you meet about not doing anything over Christmas can be taxing. The best thing for it is just to say, "Oh, I'm spending time with my family", and then do the same with your family, so you'll have all the time to yourself.
3. BUYING PRESENTS FOR PEOPLE YOU REALLY DON'T LIKE
The trick here is to buy a present that'll annoy them so much, they'll hate you even more. Have they got small kids? Buy them the loudest toy you can think of and give said kids lots of chocolate too. Walk away and laugh because you've just made sure those people aren't going to sleep for days. Bask in your awfulness.
2. DEALING WITH ALL THE AWFUL JOKES FROM YOUR UNCLES
Yes, that's hilarious. Oh, no, that's not ridiculously un-PC at all, Uncle. I'm just going to sit over here and never talk to you again.
1. FIGHTING OVER THE LAST MINCE PIE / CHOCOLATE / WHATEVER
This is what you really need to hold your strength for. The inevitable argument / battle to death over the last ham sandwich, the final mince pie, that lone remaining chocolate amidst a sea of ones that everyone avoids. This is what you need to stay strong for. This is why you're here. To show them all who's boss.
How do all the world’s Santas #StayStrong at Christmas? They train their mindset to #StayStrong throughout the holiday struggles. Actimel takes us into the training grounds for Santa Claus and show us how they train to prepare for Christmas.