Flourishing Relationships - Oh No It's Christmas!

Oh no, it's Christmas again and we have to meet up with the relatives!

Traditionally, most couples spend their time at Christmas between families, trying to keep everyone happy.

Now we have arrived at  Christmas Eve, the arrangements should have all been made, the shopping done and now all we have to do is brace ourselves for Christmas Day.

Christmas Holly

As the saying goes "you can choose your friends but not your relatives." So what to do if you have to spend time with people you would rather not be with. Here are a few tips:

• When you first get up on Christmas morning, keep telling yourself that you are having a great day.
• Stop yourself from dwelling on what went wrong last year
• Remind yourself that everyone wants to have a good day
• Refuse to buy into any dramas that may be created
• Remember to take a deep breath and count to ten before reacting to a situation. Walk away if you need to.
• Treat others the way you would like them to treat you.

Relationships can be really tested at Christmas, but it does not have to be that way. It really is up to you what kind of Christmas you have. If you are cheerful and friendly then that is the most likely response you will get from others.

So have a very Happy Christmas and enjoy your day.

Hilary Thompson
The Out and About Therapist
Facilitator at Flourishing Relationships Retreats