My family gatherings are similarly stressful but of course with its own set of reasons. What I found exorbitantly helpful, when I was able to do it, is to find it all hilarious. Whenever someone acts typically I laugh about it. I think, geez this is so funny I just knew he’d do that. And I laugh out loud too. I don’t hide it. People don’t know you are laughing at them (however rude that sounds) and tend to respond better to you because of the smile and the laugh. It is so odd. Also to make it more fun you could always post facebook or twitter (etc..) updates about your interesting family shenanigans during the event. You could also get some lavender oil if you can and use that to de-stress you. I put it on my wrists and sniff when I need de-stressed, lol. It works for me. And don’t forget to take breaks. Get some chocolate and take mini chocolate breaks or even just fresh air breaks. LOL. Afterwards definitely treat yourself well in some special way. It’ll help so you don’t carry around all the “she said” “he did this” stuff around in your mind. I think it is fantastic you are going despite the drama. You are obviously a good person.