How to handle 4 stressful holiday moments, so that you can have FUN instead!
It’s Thanksgiving week!
While some of us are doing cartwheels, excited to kick the holiday season into high gear, others might be feeling a little knot growing in the pit of their stomach.
Whichever camp you’re in, the truth is that the draining combination of traveling, cooking and being out of your routine can create some tense moments.
But don't worry, I have a few ideas for handling some common stressful situations so that you can actually HAVE SOME FUN this week.
(Oh, and these tactics work for uncomfortable office situations, too. 😉)
Have that delicate conversation BEFORE the event.
Let’s say that a few months ago, you had a conversation with a family member that did NOT end well. You’re still irritated, and you’ve been avoiding each other ever since.
Consider reaching out to that person BEFORE the holiday dinner to clear the air.
This could look like a simple email or text, having a quick call, or grabbing a coffee the morning-of.
Getting this moment out of the way relieves any anxiety about running into this person at the event, so that you can appreciate your other conversations and hello…your meal. Because who needs any more stress right now?!
Bite the bullet, take action and be glad it’s over.
Know when you need a break.
Whether it’s during an inflammatory dinner conversation or an extended stay at your parents’, if you’re feeling cranky and about to lose your cool, excuse yourself and take a little space. (I’m looking especially at you, fellow introverts!)
Take a walk around the block. Go for a drive. Grab your favorite cousin in the other room and catch up on the latest.
Feeling better + avoiding an angry outburst = a win-win.
Don’t get blindsided.
Is there something that predictably happens when you get together with your family? Like one of them wants to have a political debate or pressures you to do something you’re not comfortable with?
If the thought of facing this is causing you some dread, create a plan in advance for how you’ll handle it in the moment.
Take a few minutes to think of what the triggering issue is and now with a clear, unemotionally motivated mind, consider what you’d ideally want to do if it happens in real life.
Go as far as mentally scripting a response, if you’re prone to having deer-in-the-headlights moments. Set a boundary if what keeps happening is not OK with you.
Doing this now lets you use the HOURS you'll spend worrying about what you'll do, on something better.
Alone for the holiday?
Whether you’ve lost a loved one this past year or are desperate for some “me time”, sometimes you just need to sit one out.
And that’s OK.
If this is you, forget about the fact that it’s a holiday; how would YOU love to spend the day? Reading and ordering in takeout? Going out to see a movie or two?
Holidays are special because you get to do things that you normally don’t. Embrace that idea and make this day your own version of special.
Wishing you happy and peaceful holiday,
Denise