How Do You Avoid Family Discord During The Holidays?
We all like to think of holiday time as a season of peace, love and family togetherness. But in real life, and with the stresses of the winter holiday period, even the closest of clans is bound to have its testy moments. Try to divide visiting time equally between your family and your spouse’s; if distance makes that impossible, alternate homes from year to year. Ease tensions arising from divorce, amicable or otherwise, by vowing to put the kids first, no matter what. Find out well in advance of the holidays when grandparents and other relatives want to see the kids, and schedule activities accordingly; you’ll avoid last-minute conflicts and hurt feelings. View ethnic or religious traditions of new family members as a way to make your celebrations richer and more meaningful, not as threats to your own beliefs. Create your own blend of favorite rituals. Invite a friend or two to family functions. Behavior almost always improves in the presence of outsiders. Hold gatherings in neutral t
