The Number One Tip for A Peaceful Holiday Dinner With Family

Absolutely holiday dinners with family are supposed to be fun and memorable . If everyone could just keep this in mind during holiday gatherings everything will go well.

Coping With Emotional Holiday Trauma

Unfortunately, many of us have had a few negative experiences with family during the holidays. In my experience, I have had to overcome anxiety, headaches, and even stomach pains days leading up to holiday gatherings with family. If you have ever been singled out on one of these important days you know exactly how it feels. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way forever. There is a strategy that I use and I hope it will help you as well.

My strategy is that I expect certain people to just be who they are and act how they always act. It helps me to avoid disappointment, sadness, and hurt.

Empowered Connections Counseling reminds us that we have a choice in how we celebrate our holidays and that it’s also important to recognize our triggers during the holidays. Read more helpful suggestions from Empowered Connections Counseling and how to cope with emotional trauma during the holidays here.

My Number One Tip for You and Your Family

When family issues begin during holiday gatherings it’s usually because of one reason, a lack of respect for the other person’s position, response, or belief. Let’s use family conversations as an example. Having a difference of opinion is expected in a conversation. The conversation turns toxic when each speaker isn’t allowed to express their own opinion or belief whether it is ethically right or wrong.

Kindness is a requirement when you want people to eat a meal together in peace. People have to learn to respect other’s choices whether it is a career, lifestyle, or education. You don’t have to like or accept another person’s choice, but respect is a must! Spouses, children, and significant others also deserve respect as well.

Keep This in Mind During Your Next Holiday Gathering.

Maintain your own behavior and be determined to do the right thing towards everyone. If the ambience changes and you can no longer maintain your own composure go for a walk, step away to pray, change the conversation and if all else fails make a cordial, but not dramatic exit for the evening.

I hope that you and your family have an amazing holiday!

Do you have any stress-free holiday tips? We’d love to know, share them in the comments below!