I'll bet you anything that no one has done anything other than complain bitterly. You never know what kind of ingenious ideas several heads put together might come up with. If nothing else, you all will probably feel better about taking some control over the situation.

If the problem with this relative is solely yours, consider short-term therapy to provide you with some strategies to survive the situation with your sanity intact.

Lack of Emotional Fulfillment

If whatever you've been filling your holiday season with during the last few years is leaving you feeling empty, try something new. Bring back a tradition from your childhood or create new traditions. You know what I remember and cherish about the Christmases of my childhood? I remember the Christmas Eve candlelight service at church, I remember driving around looking at Christmas decorations in the neighborhood, impromptu caroling to Christmas records, and I remember watching Christmas movies and specials with family and friends over the years (watching "The Grinch" at an MIT fraternity is a unique experience).

Less sleep, more food and alcohol

It's one of the most simple concepts around, but we usually ignore it during this season. Take care of your health! Your physical well-being really does have an enormous impact on your emotional health, for better or ill.

Get enough sleep. I don't know about you, but I am not leaving wrapping presents until Christmas Eve anymore. The last few years I've been blearily shuffling off to bed at midnight or one o'clock. Sleep is very important when you're under stress. Don't let yourself get exhausted, or you may end up in bed with a lovely holiday cold.

Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is a depressant, pure and simple. It might stave off the blues for an hour or so, but ultimately could contribute to your seasonal depression.

Try to limit your intake of high sugar and high fat foods. I know that they're yummy and very easy to find during the holidays (you would not believe what I just ate at our department Christmas party), but if you find yourself feeling blue, you should try to maintain a fairly normal diet.