I relate only in theory. That's because I have noticed a crucial correlation: that holiday stress is inversely proportional to whatever degree of antisocial one is. I abhor most humans, and want nothing to do with them, an attribute shared equally by my wife (she would probably argue that she's even more antisocial than I am, but seeing as trying to set up an "antisocial contest" between us would likely require other people to be involved, it'd be the true essence of defeating the purpose). So when the holidays roll around, it's the exact opposite of stressful, because it only involves our tiny immediate family (us and our horse, so tiny in number, not in overall weight/size). And our household decor is exceedingly stripped down and simple--rosemary bush from Trader Joe's for a X-mas tree, one short string of neutral colored lights, one menorah, and that's about it. The rest is just a lot of good cooking, enjoyable TV, and, weather permitting, some good pipe smoking in the workspace.
But best of all, we make a concerted effort to keep a big buffer zone a la George Costanza between us and our other family members. If you grew up in a neurotic Jewish family like both of us have, you would understand why. The distance is sacrosanct--and necessary!
