It's hard because alot of people don't really understand addiction the way have been forced into! I personally was not good at hiding what was going on nor did I want to. When people would ask me, I would just say that she had relapsed and wasn't doing well. I actually got alot of good support that way.People are often more helpful and less judgemental than we imagine they will be. If you beleive that she is sick, there shouldn't be any shame in it. You can state the facts and say, we are hoping for the best, but i would prefer not to dwell on it right now. You obviously know your family and how that may work for you. It has been fine for me..there really is no easy way. I'm sorry you are concerned about the holidays..last year was that way for me. I really wanted to go out of the country this year!