I've come to the realization many years ago that for me, Christmas and Holiday time do not always equate to calm, quiet, relaxed time just mellowing out in front of a fireplace. So I've learned to equip myself with one essential prerequisite in order to achieve actual, undisturbed, unabashed, uncompromised relaxation during the Holidays.....
....wear really large blinders upon entering the kitchen.
And if those don't work, advance to the jumbo-size ++++++! : D