Day 19

How to avoid conflicts and stress at Christmas

Get a clear picture of your expectations and needs regarding this year’s Christmas celebrations. What is important to you? What makes you feel good? How would you like it to be?

What do you definitely not want (to eat, sing, listen, do…)?

Share your ideas about the schedule and length of the Christmas festivities early and as openly as possible with all the people involved. Talk about your expectations.

Consider jointly what form will best result in everyone being reasonably happy.

Think about the topics you would like to avoid at Christmas time and how you can respond if someone brings up sensitive issues. After all, you know who’s coming. For instance, you might say, “I don’t want to talk to you about this topic at Christmas. We can discuss it some other time”.