10 Tips for Dealing With Family During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress and tension.

If you’re struggling with family during the holidays, don’t worry – you’re not alone!

This blog post will share 10 tips for dealing with family during the holidays. We hope these tips help make your holiday season a little bit easier!

1. Set boundaries: It’s essential to set boundaries with family and ensure everyone respects them. Let your family know what’s acceptable and unacceptable behavior, and ensure they understand that disrespect or rudeness will not be tolerated.

2. Have a plan of action if things get tense: If you find yourself in a situation where things are starting to get tense, have an escape plan ready. Take a walk outside or drive – whatever it takes to give yourself time away from the situation and clear your head.

3. Avoid triggers: If specific topics or people tend to cause tension when discussed, try your best to avoid those topics entirely during holiday gatherings. That way, you can prevent any arguments or hurt feelings.

4. Avoid discussing politics and religion: Politics and religion are often sensitive topics, so it’s best to avoid them altogether during family holidays. These conversations can quickly turn sour and leave everyone feeling frustrated.

5. Don’t take the bait: If your family is trying to start an argument, don’t take the bait! Walk away or change the subject if necessary – this will help keep tensions low.

6. Have a sense of humor: Laughter is a great way to break up tension during holiday gatherings! Try to lighten the mood with some jokes or funny stories – this can help put everyone at ease and enjoy their time together more.

7. Address addiction issues: If holiday gatherings involve someone with an addiction, it’s essential to address the drinking issue head-on. Make sure everyone knows how serious a problem this can be, and discuss how the family can support each other during holiday gatherings.

8. Spend quality time together: Holidays are an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Take some time away from screens and technology, and play board games or walk around the neighborhood – these activities will help bring your family closer together.

9. Give yourself space: Don’t forget to make time for yourself during the holidays too! This could mean taking a few minutes alone in another room or going out for coffee alone. This will help you recharge and come back to holiday gatherings feeling refreshed.

10. Take advantage of support services: If you struggle with family during holidays, remember that plenty of support services are available. Contact your local crisis hotline or counseling service if you need extra help navigating tough holiday conversations.

We hope these tips have been helpful! The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, so we all must try to connect with our families and enjoy the season together. Following these tips can ensure a stress-free holiday for everyone involved! Happy holidays!

By Richard B.