Family: is “a blessing and a curse” too strong? Perhaps. As wonderful as it is to spend time with family during the holidays (I’m so excited to see everyone!), it can also create a lot of tension.  “Are you seeing anybody?” “When are you going to have a baby already?” and all manner of awkward questions can set your nerves on edge. In the interests of enjoying your holiday time instead of stressing, consider these ways to embrace family and your time together. (Hey, someone’s got to put the “fun” in dysfunctional, right?)

  1. Surrender to the moment. If you’re committed to spending a certain amount of time with family (or any group), embrace it. Turn off the phone and ignore incoming texts. When you make an effort to enjoy yourself, there’s a  good chance you’ll succeed.
  2. Find a way to help out. Some of the best times you can have are helping in the kitchen. If you’ve never met a meal you couldn’t burn, consider helping with the clean-up. ;)
  3. Get out the photo albums and share stories. You may be surprised at what others remember that you’ve long since forgotten. Or, bring new pics to show everyone. (If you can keep it to a couple dozen, you’re golden.)
  4. Bring a treat you can’t wait to share. From a new cookie to a great bottle of wine, sharing something you love with people you love is a great mix.
  5. Enjoy your traditions, no matter how long ago you outgrew them.
  6. Take a family picture.
  7. Skip the small talk and actually catch up with everyone’s current interests and goings-on.
  8. Get into the game. If you’ve always resisted watching the game on TV but everyone else loves it, give it a try. It can be more fun than you might imagine.
  9. Bring a few interesting stories to the table. These aren’t strangers, they’re friends and family. If someone asks you how things are going, they’re not looking for “fine” as an answer.
  10. Spend the day like you’re at the kids’ table; everyone knows you have more fun throwing rolls and having chugging contests than comparing how far down your portfolios are. In other words, make the moment fun for someone else.

And if you’re spending the day away from those you love, know that they’re thinking of you. Give someone you love a call and enjoy those you’re with.  Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday!

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