10 Tips to Reduce Stress and Avoid Family Conflicts this Christmas
Christmas is a joyful and merry time. But what goes into making Christmas joyous and memorable can be quite painful too. There are several disagreements, fights, difference of opinions, lot of chores, adjustments, conflicts that happen when a lot of people come together. One just cannot escape that! The amount of hard work and conflicts that go into making Christmas joyous, in fact spoil all the fun and joy of Christmas. Thus, it is essential that a family keeps its peace and manages to adjust and bring a great Christmas and a happy new year without getting into stress and fights. [ Read: Developed a crush outside your relationship? ]
Let’s see a few tips to reduce the stress and avoid family conflicts during Christmas time or the holiday season!
- Discuss with the family
Make Christmas plans together with your family. Let them know what you plan for this year and also take into considerations their suggestions and views. This will help them feel a part of the Christmas chores group. Otherwise, they might feel forced to do what you asked them to do. Children will take special interests if their ideas are considered and admired.
- Divide responsibilities
Divide responsibilities within your family. Make your husband in charge of the decoration and shopping. Your son could be in charge of the indoor games that are to be played and cleaning chores. Your daughter can be in charge of decorating the Christmas tree and also assisting you in the cooking chores. This way, no one will interfere with the other and no one will be idle as well. [ Check out: 15 Tips to Save $500 by Christmas
- Take time off (Relax)
Keep time for yourself a day before Christmas to relax and get some rest. If you tire yourself out before Christmas, there is very little chance that you might actually enjoy the Christmas day with puffy eyes and swollen feet.
- Do a physical activity
When you’re on a holiday spree and there are so many tasks at hand, there is no sign of exercise or any physical activity, because where is the time? Try doing some physical activity, as it will refresh your mind and boost your energy. Go for a walk, a run, meditate in the garden, hit the gym. All these activities will take care of your health mentally as well as physically.
- Don’t panic
If something does go wrong, don’t panic and create a scene. Don’t spoil everyone’s mood and spirit over small things which can be easily overlooked. Look over the materialistic things this Christmas and have fun with your entire family tree.
- Forgive and Forget
Small things are often said and joked about when a whole family gets together. If you obsess on it and let it spoil your day, there is no end to it. Hence, ignore the small remarks that you might hear or some complaints that you might get and enjoy the bigger things this Christmas. [ Also read: 15 Things You Will Never Get For Christmas Again ]
- Say “no” to things
It is important to say “no” to certain things. Like your children might force you to prepare an array of dishes this Christmas, which will tire you out. You have to be blunt and say no and make them choose a couple of dishes they would like.
- Don’t pick faults
Everyone might not really do things as per your expectations or likes, but picking faults and throwing tantrums will only make the situation worse. Tell them in a nice way about what you think could make it better and see the work get done quickly.
- Don’t plan and perspire
Don’t over plan things, cause during holidays nothing really goes as per a fixed plan. While it is necessary to have some amount of planning at hand, don’t be adamant that everything goes as per your plan.
- Remember, that you’re a family
Small disputes, stress and conflicts are bound to happen when 15-20 people get together under a roof. Try to see past that, and push the recovery mode. Always remember that you are a family and it is a merry time, to be thankful for! [ Read here: 10 Ways to Celebrate Christmas when your partner is away from you ]
How do you deal with conflicts in your family during the holiday season? Share with us in the comments section!
