Stress-Free Family Holidays (Tips)

It is National Stress-free Family Holidays Month! Stress caused by the family can be difficult to manage. In every family gathering, you might come across family members who complain, nag, or criticize. This can make the holidays feel like a negative and uncomfortable situation. Often you will see a group of family members who will get in a discussion over politics, taboo subjects, or religious comments.

However, there are ways to deal with certain family situations so you can be stress-free. If the topics are too hard to maintain a calm and patient attitude, you can take a break from the discussion. Also, walk away from the situation or go to another group of family members. Offer to help in the kitchen with the appetizers or with the cleaning. Sometimes, staying quiet or making small conversations will make you feel comfortable with the entire family. 

Additionally, tell family members not to discuss topics about politics, religion, or other controversial topics. Make sure everyone makes the family gathering friendly and comfortable especially with young children present in the conversations. Change the subject if politics, religion, or other uncomfortable topics are mentioned. Furthermore, if you want to have a family-friendly environment do not have alcoholic beverages. If someone brings alcohol, let them know that you thank their gesture, but you do not serve alcohol in the family gatherings.

However, if you are not hosting the party and there is alcohol; Make sure a responsible family member drives the person who had too many drinks. If there is an extra guest room, the individual who had too many drinks can sleep it off. Ignore any bad comments from family members who make you feel insecure. It is best to remain calm throughout the family gatherings. If you lose your patience, you can excuse yourself and leave early from the party.

Also, wear a face mask and get vaccinated before attending the small family gathering. If you do not feel comfortable with one face mask, wear two face masks. If drinks are served in paper cups, write your name with a sharpie on the side of the cup. Regardless, enjoy the company of your family members and friends. Here are links with more tips for having a stress-free holiday.  

Family Estrangement-10 Tips for Dealing with it During the Holidays-SELF: 

https://www.self.com/story/family-estrangement-holidays-tips#:~:text=%2010%20Tips%20for%20Dealing%20With%20Family%20Estrangement,spend%20the%20days%20that%20are%20most...%20More%20

9 Tips for Dealing with Toxic Family During the Holidays (Care):

https://www.care.com/c/toxic-family-during-the-holidays/

Ten Ways to Keep Family Members From Ruining Your Holidays-Psychology Today:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spycatcher/201411/ten-ways-keep-family-members-ruining-your-holidays

* Free fonts from PiZap

* Picture filters from LunaPic