Family Drama? Here’s How To Survive The Holidays

Bella Breakdown

The holiday season can be one of the happiest times of the year. Decorations are up, your favorite holiday movies are on TV 24/7 and there’s lots of time to spend with family and friends. Most of us don’t have an absolutely perfect relationship with our families, which can create a great deal of stress around this time of year.

Whether it’s political debates, disagreements about what you’re doing with your life, or just a spat over the cranberry sauce, tensions can run high. With a few tips and tricks though, you can keep your calm enjoy the holidays the way you want to.

Practice Mindfulness and Morning Meditations
This may sound corny, but it works. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and find a calm attitude. Download app like Calm to practice short meditations that can also help you push through those difficult moments.

Plan Ahead
If you have one or two difficult family members or can already predict some issues that might come up, think of some responses ahead of time. If you’re prepared, and can quickly come back with a short, eloquent response, you’re more likely to stay calm, and family members are less likely to dig into the topic too far.

Keep The Family Occupied
If fights tend to arise when there is a lot of downtime, try to suggest activities to keep everyone happy and occupied, such as watching a movie or playing a game. Doing something fun and lighthearted is a great way to change the mood. And don’t forget to take time for yourself. Go for a walk, listen to music or go visit a nearby friend to help clear your head.

Remember That They Love You
At the end of the day, you’re all family and you have to remember that you love each other. Little annoyances and arguments are normal and healthy, as it shows you truly care. Try not to escalate things too much, and focus on happy memories and making future memories during this time of year.