Holiday Gatherings - No Pressure!

If you get tense just thinking about your next big family gathering or seasonal outing with your friends, please remember you are not alone.  It may surprise you to learn that in a recent survey, over half of all respondents said they "experience family conflicts around the Christmas/Thanksgiving holiday period". This doesn't mean there is something wrong with all of these families!  It has much more to do with a combination of external factors, such as tight finances, restricted space, lengthy travel or lifestyle issues.

I am sure any Event Coordinator would say how difficult it is to arrange an extended gathering for a group of people spanning all ages, dietary requirements and interests.  Try to remember that some members of your family will want to watch television, whereas others will quickly get "Cabin Fever".  This does not need to cause division! 

·                     If you prefer to stay inside where it's warm, offer to help in the kitchen, cleaning up, or putting up decorations.

·                     If you are desperate for a bit of space, offer to stock up at the local grocery store while you are out of the house. A simple gesture, such as taking the children for a walk, will benefit all involved.

In this way, everybody can spend an hour or so doing exactly what they want, yet at the same time actively being part of the family group - and helping to take the pressure off the hosts.

If you are hosting a gathering, the stress can be particularly intense. For several weeks you have probably been planning and budgeting, trying to create the 'perfect' event.  How much alcohol should you provide?  You may have religious or financial reasons for wanting to cut back, yet you wish to cater well for your guests.  As a guest, one of the best things you can do is to follow familiar advice and "drink only in moderation". If you stay happy and alert for the whole day, you will be more fun to be with - and if you really need to escape, you will be sober and able to drive!

Always try to remember that the main focus of the holiday season should be about reconnecting to the importance of loving, laughing and giving.  Even on the smallest of budgets, children (and adults) can find it easy to feel loved and happy if you show them the way. Learning these key life lessons will last throughout their lives; way beyond the latest gadget!

It is equally important for adults to use this time of year to put aside old grudges, and finally forgive any past conflicts. It can be a painful time if you are feeling alone, but great comfort and fun can be had with friends, colleagues, or a church group. In these ways, we can truly relax, respect those around us, revel in the Holiday Season - and open up to a genuinely Happy New Year on a personal level.

Please consider contacting the organizations below for help or information. And try to remember that with a sprinkling of consideration, and a pinch of give and take, the festivities really can be a wonderful time of Peace, Goodwill and Joy!

Written for the Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services by :

Lia Ithell, Life Focus (Director)   
BA, MICHT, BFRP, HSM cert, Time Line Therapy™ cert, MISMA pending

Copyright © Life Focus 2002    http://www.LifeFocus.co.uk/