Four Ways to Keep Cool When You’re Home for The Holidays

1. Keep you expectations realistic
Remind yourself that your family has never been perfect ad nobody’s is. Don’t be to hard on them or yourself.

2. Decompress ahead of time
Before a family gathering, engage in an activity like exercise, yoga, or meditation to break up stress on a physical level. This way, you’ll go into it as relaxed as possible.

3. Sidestep arguments
If someone brings up an old grievance, don’t get sucked into debating it. Set a time to talk about it at a later date. Add deflect critical comments (about your funky shoes, for example) by saying “I’m glad you noticed” in a playful tone.

4. Avoid a meet the parents meltdown
If your new guy is bringing you to his home, make sure he first gives you a heads-up about any hot-button issues that might spark tension. Avoid touchy topics and your stay will go smoother.