Any advice on staying calm and sane during holiday gathering

I have panic disorder but I have some general anxiety too so I thought I would post here. I need help. I get so anxious around big groups I have panic attacks and have to take a klonopin and go to bed. With thanksgiving coming I'm very anxious about all the social activity. I'm so worried I won't be able to keep it together, let alone enjoy the company of my family. Any advice on dealing with family gatherings? I appreciate any tips.

I have GAD/Panic Disorder too and can relate to finding Christmas hard. What I do to cope with enforced social situations:

1. Try not to give myself a hard time about them. I set myself a target of how long to stay, even just 1 hour or less. I usually find once I'm there, I'm fine, but having that getout clause in my head seems to help.

2. Wear something comfortable. Usually layers because if I get too hot I am more likely to panic. Have a tee-shirt on underneath other clothes so you can strip off to this if necessary.

3. During the actual event, I give myself a few breaks. For example, just go to the loo for a bit and splash water on your face, take some deep breaths. If it's a house event I might go for a wander and find a quieter room. If there are pets I spend as much time with them as possible. Or if there's a piano, I play that. Basically, when the humans get too much I excuse myself and find something else (socially acceptable) to do and people always seem happy and a few quieter people often some and join me.

4. Lately I have got really into drawing and painting. I now bring my sketchbook out with me wherever I go and if I am feeling stressed, I just draw. It really, really helps. And people usually just leave you to it or enjoy watching before disappearing off to the main group.

5. If all of the above fails then I congratulate myself for attending the event, thank the hosts and make my exit so I can come home, hang out with my cat and relax

6. One last idea, have you thought about volunteering over Christmas? We have a local place where you can help out and cook a dinner for homeless people at Christmas. It helps break up all the over indulgence and takes the focus away from you. I also usually volunteer at my local animal shelter which helps.

I hope this helps! I find keeping a healthy normal routine up as much as possible helps keep me a bit more sane but I know how hard it is, last year I got flu and was very ill for the entire two weeks which was weirdly a blessing as I didn't have to deal with any of the emotions Christmas stirs up for me, I just focused on getting better. I'd love to know if you try any of these techniques and how they work out for you, I will definitely be using them myself this year