So Uncle Dave drinks too much at family gatherings, your sister Rebecca goes way too deep into details about her love life, and then there's Grandma Pendle's back handed compliments about your tasty green bean casserole, and how it MUST be a box mix! And it ALMOST taste as good as your sister Katie's.That's right! It's holiday time! This year resist the urge to to lock yourself in the bathroom for thirty minutes at a time! Instead keep a cool head on your shoulders and tell yourself, "It's just for a few day, It's just for a few... more.... days!" There... feel better? Thought so. Now to prepare yourself further you got to get your head in the game. It's going to be a battle field out there are you're going to be jumping around from one situation to another. Stay positive and don't allow yourself to be sucked into other peoples negativity! It will only make further get togethers harder on you! Fake a smile if you have to, but always try to avoid pushing buttons and bringing up hot topics. It will only get everybody rallied up and once they get started it hardly ever ends quickly! So rule number one is mentally prepare yourself for everything that comes with your families personalities!
Next when there is family visiting always try to have activities plans, don't let them sit around and expect the TV to entertain them. When relatives get bored, it's hardly ever good. If you are going to others house, offer to bring activities such as board game, sports equipment. Or if your in my family and are into 4-wheelers bring one to give the kiddies rides!
Rule number three always have schedule time of arrival and departure. Sure sometimes the departure is one that is you kind of see how things play out. But if you're having Thanksgiving at your house, be up front and tell guest to arrive between a certain time. Say,"If you can make it between one and two that will give us perfect time for setting up and getting ready!" Don't leave entry and exit dates or times up to chance with people who tend to overstay their welcome. You'll be sorry!
If it seems like all the talked about topics are getting stale, bring in some fresh air and as counter intuitive as this may seem, think about inviting more people to your holiday. Such as close friends. With more new people over new topics are created and conversations are much more enjoyable for all. So rule number four keep things fresh and give the chance to create new relationships!
As nice as it would be if family etiquette came with set rule such as dining etiquette does, it doesn't and initially its up to you to play your part in keeping things neutral and heading in a positive direction. Holidays can be a stressful time if you let it, so just keep saying," It's only a few days." and smile.
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