Whether you're hosting your own soiree or heading home to see the family, don't become another self-esteem casualty during holidays or get-togethers. Here are some easy steps to help you keep your cool and cultivate confidence during gatherings, no matter how much fatty cake Aunt Edna puts on your plate!

1. Prepare for pushed buttons. Parents know how to push our buttons best because they installed them. If you're heading home to see your family, odds are Mom and Dad won't treat you as the capable adult you are today -- in their eyes, you're still 12. So be prepared for the family label game: Are you the fat one, the baby, the divorcée? Guard yourself against ruffled feathers and hurt feelings by doing some emotional prepping before your visit. And put your best friend's number on speed dial, just in case!

2. Eat! Restriction is a common coping tool during holidays, family reunions and other gatherings -- and a surefire way to put you in a bad mood. No one likes a starving grump, so don't be one! Make sure to eat regular meals every day. You'll not only feel nourished and energized, but you'll also be happier and more fun to be around.

3. Don't stuff your feelings with food. Is your mother-in-law getting on your nerves? Shoveling mashed potatoes down your throat won't get her to shut up; it'll just give you a stomachache. Emotional and physical triggers can cause us to chow down on comfort foods even when we're not hungry. Don't get caught up in the emotional-eating trap. Listen to your hunger and give yourself a resting point when you feel full.