How to Have a Peaceful Holiday with Your Family

So how do you have a peaceful holiday with your family when there seems to be so much tension, miscommunication, and fighting. Over the holiday season you're going to be running into some family members who you only see once a year. These relatives and friends are likely to be distant, judgmental, critical, mean, and downright snotty. So what are you going to do? Are you just going to take it again this year? Something needs to be done and maybe you're just the person who will bring peace to your family. Follow these step-by-step instructions and have a peaceful holiday with your family this year.

Make Contact.

Single out the most difficult relative and take care of any problems of unresolved issues between you. Was something said or done in the past to you or someone in your immediate family? Your spouse? Your child? Your pet hamster, Nadine? Whatever it was that caused the problem, it's time for you to be the bigger person, put on your grown-up panties, and settle this once and for all. Get on the phone or better, get with them personally. Talk it over, figure it out, and resolve to make peace. I think you'll find that the problem was not something that couldn't be settled quickly and easily.

Be Understanding and Forgiving.

Feelings may have been hurt, reputations ruined, or lives altered. On top of all that, there's the powerful emotions which are associated with the unresolved issue. Emotions like anger, hatred, envy, and greed. All of these make the unresolved issues even more painful than they may actually be. If you understand this going in, you'll be more likely to work out a solution. Why is Uncle Mike angry? Because for 30 years, the family has made fun of something he did to you when he was a young child and they never let him forget it, bringing it up at every family gathering. Uncle Mike has a lot of pent up emotion and anger inside him. If you let him know that you're willing to forgive and forget, guess what? The rest of the family will move that way. too. Take the lead and the rest will follow.

Don't Forget, You're a Family and That's Important.

These days, there are so many problems in the world. The support of a loving and encouraging family is so important. Important enough to let bygones be bygones and make restoring the relationship a top priority. You will benefit, your kids will benefit, your entire family will benefit. Family is family. Do whatever is in your power to make sure you're doing your part. Make a commitment to be loving, forgiving, and open with all family members. Commit to have a peaceful holiday with your family.