For too many people, the holidays are a time to be reminded of everything that they lack.

A big part of celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas is getting together with family, but for those with dysfunctional family dynamics, this can feel more like a punishment than a vacation. The unfortunate reality of this time of year is that many find it to be disappointing and triggering because of resentments and arguments between relatives. It is no way to spend a holiday.

It is no surprise, then, that many will do anything they can to get out of spending this time with their family. More often than not, they have a good reason for avoiding the potential drama or even just discomfort. The issue with doing this is that sometimes the simple act of declining an invite can prove to be a headache. It can be a situation where it feels like there is no winning option.