How to Tolerate Those Few Miserable Hours On Christmas Day
December 22, 2008
As Christmas rolls around the corner, bells ring and Santas fill department stores and photo centers. But not everything is delightful and joyful for some people. Many experience anxiety and frustration at the thought of having to spend yet another holiday with family members they loathe.
Are you included in this grumpy list? If so, keep reading. I have some tips for tolerating those few miserable hours that you’ll have to spend with people you dislike.
- Set a time limit. It is difficult to spend time with people you don’t like. In fact, this is usually how many family disagreements start. Put together a few family members who don’t like each other, mix in some bad conversation, and you’ve got the makings of a full-on family feud. Rather than feeding that fire with more fuel, set a time limit on conversation. Make nice then excuse yourself if you can’t be civil.
- Put on your best actress/actor face. Imagine yourself an actor. You’re starring in the leading role of a hot new film. The setting: Family Christmas dinner. The cast: Obnoxious family members you hate. The plot: Turning things around this Christmas. Okay, so maybe that’s a stretch. Do your best to put on a poker face anyway.
- Make small talk. Differences of opinions usually lie at the heart of family bickering. Instead of falling prey to yet another family argument, make small talk. If the conversation seems to start turning towards a topic that is known to be the sore spot of a family member, steer it back towards more small talk.
