By Luz Michelle
Artwork by Justin Negard
Disclaimer: It’s okay to laugh—this is a humor column! We welcome your Dear Luz questions, but we’re legally obligated to say this is not a substitute for real advice by professionals.
Dear Luz,
Spending holidays with my brother’s and sister-in-law’s kids feels like signing up for a boot camp in bad behavior. My kids turn into mini divas the second we step inside. Thanksgiving is looming, but I’d honestly rather fake food poisoning. How do I get out of it and tell my brother his kids are a nightmare without blowing up the family?”
– Turkey Trapped
Dear Trapped,
Oh honey, I feel you. In-laws plus holidays? That’s not stuffing; that’s trauma wrapped in tinfoil.
If every holiday with your in-laws turns your kids into monsters and feels like a reality show gone rogue, stop signing up! Switch it up, host your own, book a trip, or skip it guilt-free (how glamorous does that sound?). Holidays are for joy, not diva training camp. Boundaries? That’s the secret sauce.
Dear Luz,
My brother left for college this fall, and it’s so peaceful in my house! He always fought with my parents, and we would fight, too. He played his music very loud, and his friends were loud, too. I know this sounds bad, but I don’t want him to come home in December. How do I tell him to just stay away?
– Finally an only child
Dear Only Child,
Ahhh, the sweet, sweet peace of an empty house—trust me, I get it. But before you ghost your brother like he’s a spam email, let him know how you feel. Be honest, but not brutal.
Remember: College changes people, boundaries are your friend, and yes, earplugs are a must. Claim your peace, enjoy the quiet and maybe, just maybe, he’ll surprise you.
Dear Luz,
Okay, here’s the thing. When we were little, my mom started a holiday tradition. We would all get matching pajamas for the holidays and take a family picture. Then, my parents would send it out to everyone they’ve ever met! I just started high school, and I’m too old for this. My younger brother and sister still like it, but it’s just so embarrassing. I tried to explain this to my parents, but they told me I don’t have a choice. Help!
– Too old for PJs
Dear Never Too Old for PJs,
I get it; matching holiday pajamas in high school feels like a human crime scene. But take the picture and own it. One day, you’ll either be the parent sending out matching chaos pics or the one dressing your pets in outfits and calling it festive (ADORS). Roll with it, ‘cause life’s too short to fight the cute, even if it’s mortifying.
Dear Luz,
I’ve been invited to a cookie swap, but my baking skills are terrible. Is it really cheating if I bring store-bought cookies and pass them off as homemade? No one wants my cookies, trust me.
– Cookies are for eating, not baking
Dear Not a Baker,
Buy the cookies.
Drop them in a tin that screams Pinterest and stroll in like you own the place. When someone asks, just smile and say, “These? Oh, just a generational masterpiece passed down with love.”
No one needs to know the family recipe lives on aisle 7 at Trader Joe’s.
This article was published in the November/December 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
Luz Michelle
Luz Michelle has channelled her unique life experiences and background into a successful comedy career, gracing stages such as Caroline's, Gotham Comedy Club, The Stand, The NY Underground Comedy Festival, The North Carolina Comedy Festival and more, with her malapropisms and unique style. As Founder of Hard Headed Comedy™, a comedy entertainment company, Luz produces live and streamed showcases featuring a diverse mix of established and up-and-coming comedic talent.
Justin is an award-winning designer and photographer. He was the owner and creative director at Future Boy Design, producing work for clients such as National Parks Service, Vintage Cinemas, The Tarrytown Music Hall, and others. His work has appeared in Bloomberg TV, South by Southwest (SXSW), Edible Magazine, Westchester Magazine, Refinery 29, the Art Directors Club, AIGA and more.
Justin is a two-time winner of the International Design Awards, American Photography and Latin America Fotografia. Vice News has called Justin Negard as “one of the best artists working today.”
He is the author of two books, On Design, which discusses principles and the business of design, and Bogotà which is a photographic journey through the Colombian capital.
Additionally, Justin has served as Creative Director at CityMouse Inc., an NYC-based design firm which provides accessible design for people with disabilities, and has been awarded by the City of New York, MIT Media Lab and South By Southwest.
He lives in Katonah with his wonderfully patient wife, son and daughter.
