From the introduction: Ever think about how people sometimes call friends “the family you choose”? That’s because, save your significant other(s) and any adopted children, your “actual” family is a bunch of people you didn’t choose. And most people have those “special” times of year when the whole family gets together, whether they want to or not. It’s why some people feel dread when holidays roll around. “Conventional wisdom” says the best way to these obligatory gatherings is to smile, keep your head down, and ignore Uncle Bill's MAGA hat and xenophobic comments about the Latino weatherman. But where's the fun in that? Sometimes, some over-the-top family drama can really get the blood pumping.