Hosting Family for the Holidays

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It always sounds like a good idea, till you remember how stressful and tiring it is to stay happy and sane amongst your kin in the holidays.

Christmas is particularly trying as you’re probably exhausted from your hard work for the year. You end up needing a holiday after your ‘holiday’!

Plan well in advance and delegate – only host because you want to, not because you feel duty bound, else you are heading for resentment. Communicate your plans very clearly to all family members, and get them to contribute – you don’t have to do it all on your own, that’s what family is for after all.
Keep alcohol to a minimum
Avoid trigger points for the usual arguments. Have activities planned in advance to change course when you see tensions rising.
Make sure you also take time to relax away from the crowd whether its 2 hours a day or a sending everyone on a day trip to give you back your space for a whole day.
We usually throw all routine out the window during holidays, but remember the benefit of exercise to release those feel good feelings (and burn those extra holiday calories). Take some time to yourself – go for a walk, or a swim, or do some yoga and meditation (lock the door!).