3 Simple Ways to Deal With Family Issues During The Holidays

I have been, or can be if you click on a link and make a purchase, compensated via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value for writing this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

So many of us look forward to the holidays. Yet, others have a growing sense of dread that begins weeks before a family gathering. Sadly, the most wonderful time of the year is not alway so wonderful.

It isn’t that we don’t love our family members. Rather, the stress of the Christmas season compounded with unusual closeness can create tension. If not quickly diffused, that tension can lead to arguments with future regrets for things said.

Christmas is supposed to be about love and not hate of spite. So, what are you to do when you know there will be family issues during the holidays?

Note ~ Product suggestions have affiliate links included. Many thanks to anyone who opts to purchase through one of our links.

3 Simple Ways to Deal With Family Issues During The Holidays

Be Patient And Kind

Of anytime of the year, this is the season to be patient and kind. Make this your motto and you’ll enjoy a much more peaceful and relaxed holiday season this year. Remind yourself of this when things get hectic and stressful around Christmas. Sticky notes on your bathroom mirror or other prominent places just might help.

I find that the simpler I keep things around the holidays, the easier it is to stay patient and kind. When we have too much on our plate, we get stressed out and irritable. I don’t have to tell you that this leads to a short temper that may cause you to do something you regret later.

One simple way I help to reduce my stress level is through aromatherapy. I love essential oils and find that certain ones or blends of oils help my mood immensely.

I spent a recent shopping trip wearing a diffuser necklace with a stress-busting blend on it. I also have taken to sniffing the cap of a Candy Cane blend gifted to me by Plant Therapy to help boost my mood and get some holiday spirit. I’ve also diffused that particular blend in our main living space. (Just make sure to use only a few drops as it is stronger than you think!)

Walk Away If You Need To

Sometimes the best thing you can do is walk away.

If a situation is stressing you out, or spiraling out of control, get yourself out of there. Go take a breather and come back when you can get back to being patient and kind.

Sometimes just going into a different room for a few minutes or taking a short walk outside will do the trick.

At other times, you just need to leave before you get into an argument with a family member, and that’s ok. There are times when you’re better off getting out of there. If it’s the only thing that will make it possible for you or the people you care about to enjoy their Christmas, you do what you have to do.

Postpone Arguments When Possible

The holidays only come around once a year. If you need to and avoid arguments and fights, bite your tongue. You don’t have to give in, or bend over backwards for family members you don’t get along with. Think of it more as postponing the argument until after the holidays.

Enjoy the time with your loved ones… even the ones who are a little more challenging to love than others.

Maybe use some free time to dig through a book that helps you deal with challenging individuals. I have both How to Hug a Porcupine for dealing with adults and How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years in my home. Even though some of my family members are not nearly as challenging as the examples in the books, the information is so helpful.

There is one last thing to keep in mind when you’re struggling with squabbles and fights around the holidays. This is a special time of the year and something you can’t get back.

Try to put bad feelings aside and celebrate this special time with your family and friends. Create memories you’ll want to savor in the future instead of regret for actions taken or words spoken in the heat of the moment.

What are some ways that you deal with family issues during the holidays?