Don’t let sibling squabbling and bathroom hogging undo a year of therapy. Repeat the mantra: You’re not home for the holidays; you’re on a mini-vacation. (It’s all about perspective.)

The Cuisine
Your Place: Frosty Boca burgers.
Their Place: A new restaurant across town.
The gas station where you used to scam beer is now an Indian/German fusion spot. Ditch leftovers and check it out. (Ditto the bar around the block.)

The Transportation
Yours: The dirty bus.
Theirs: BMW 5 Series with DVD and GPS.
What’s more relaxing than Podunk, USA? East Podunk. Plan a day trip. Crank the seat warmers, kidnap (okay, borrow) your adorable niece, and spend the day exploring the next town over.

The Setting
Your Backyard: A parking lot and Crazy Charlie, the local advice-giving savant.
Theirs: Trees.
Wrap up in a sweater and snuggle with a great book like The Ghost at the Table (and relish someone else’s holiday woes).

The Expense Account
Your Petty Cash: Credit card wrapped in a “Do not use!” post-it.
Theirs: AmEx Centurion.
They guilted you into coming home. Guilt back. Swipe the plastic (ask first, dummy) and head to the local spa. And invite your sister. (Really, grow up.)

The Amenities
Your Shower Pressure: What shower pressure?
Theirs: Jacuzzi.
Fill the tub with bubbles and soak your cares away.

But just for good measure, book an extra hour with your shrink upon return.

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