How to Survive Holiday Squabbles – our best advice!
1. Be curious – Try to discover the intentions of your relatives before you judge them
2. Focus on the Present – Don’t drag in what so-and-so did last Christmas. Don’t worry about what so-and-so might do.
3. Acknowledge your needs – Avoiding an issue or overaccommodating others will spoil your holiday fun.
4. Take a time out – If family time is getting too intense, take a breather to look at the big picture.
5. Identify the deeper Issue – Don’t make it about tree lights if it’s about who controls decorating.
6. Be open and clear – Relatives won’t know where you are coming from if you don’t tell them.
7. Address Values and Needs – Assure loved ones you are not threatening their special holiday.
8. Agree – Identify shared interests, acknowledge or agree where you can.
9. Explore Options – Once the problem is understood, propose solutions that meets everybody’s needs.
10. REMEMBER, Relationship is more important than winning.
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