Another flower arranging therapy Reel, this time w Another flower arranging therapy Reel, this time with roses and a little Stevie Wonder. I could do this all day! 🌹 #traderjoes #flowers #roses #therapy #selfcare
Mimosas, beignets, and Benedicts, oh my! Brunch is Mimosas, beignets, and Benedicts, oh my! Brunch is my absolute favorite meal and @louieswinedive in Clayton treated us so well! I will definitely be back. 

#brunch #stl #stlouis #food #stlfoodie #hosted
Brunch vibes. #latergram #brunch #stl #stlouis Brunch vibes. #latergram #brunch #stl #stlouis
A generous heart is always open, always ready to r A generous heart is always open, always ready to receive our going and coming. In the midst of such love, we need never fear abandonment. This is the most precious gift true love offers – the experience of knowing we always belong.” — bell hooks
One more week before she goes back to school for h One more week before she goes back to school for her second semester. Reppin #stl and @seriessixcompany. 

#stlouis #collegekid #stlmade #mykid
Flower arranging has become the self-care I didn’t know I needed. It’s a tranquil and relaxing experience for me. Get into it. 💐 #traderjoes #flowers #therapy #selfcare
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We made it a family night at @stlouiswheelpark. A We made it a family night at @stlouiswheelpark. A time was had and memories were made. Grateful that I got some extra days with these guys (thanks Southwest—now run my son back his reimbursement 😂).
My family gifted me $250 worth of Sephora gift car My family gifted me $250 worth of Sephora gift cards as one of my Christmas surprises. Take a look at my haul which includes makeup for oily skin and a some faves! #sephora #haul #skin #oilyskin #beautyproducts #overforty #midlifewomen
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Family Ties, Holidays, Kids & Parenting, Relationships · November 12, 2013

Six Ways To Help Keep Your Family’s Holiday Season Drama Free


Six Ways To Help Keep Your Family's Holiday Season Drama FreeThe holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year for a multitude of reasons. For starters, it is a time where me and my family get a chance to spend more time together. During the year, we are all busy with our careers and endeavors and immediate families and responsibilities—the holiday season is a time where we put family first and other things go on the back burner. We tend to come together and show our love in many ways during the holidays, and I am so grateful to have such a strong family unit.

Of course, not everyone shares this type of bond. There are plenty of families and loved ones who have strained relationships due to misunderstandings, drama, etc. It would be nice to write about warm and fuzzy holiday topics on this blog, but the reality is there are real people with real family issues. The holidays can bring out the best and worst in people, thus, can also fuel and propel drama and in-fighting especially if you are estranged.

There was a time in my past that I can say I had a disagreement with a family member that went unspoken—and during the holiday, because of this, we had words and it almost got ugly. Luckily for us, cooler heads prevailed, but sometimes, that is not the case. So I devised six ways to help keep your family’s holiday season drama free. Here we go…

1. Be honest.

If you are invited to a holiday party and have problems with a family member, be honest with yourself. Don’t attend the get together if you don’t think the two of you will get along, or will cause friction or strain. You do not want to ruin the holidays for other family members. Send your regards and do not attend. If you are having an event and think a family member will cause drama, it is okay to leave them off of the invite list.

2. Don’t feed the trolls.

Not that your family member is a troll, but you get my point. If a family member is starting drama, just say NO. Remove yourself from the conversation instantly. Do feed into the drama or negativity.

3. Don’t assume.

A lot of misunderstandings begin because of assumptions and the failure to communicate effectively. Most family issues can be worked out if talked out and handled like adults. Face the issue with your family member(s) head on and talk it out. Don’t blow things out of proportion. Talking before the get together or family holiday party can help ease the tension.

4. Let it ride, set it aside.

If you can, set aside your issue(s) with your family member, at least for that day. Your family is worth it.

5. Say no to gossip.

Gossip in a family brings nothing but negativity. Don’t gossip, don’t spread lies or what you “heard”. Don’t fuel the fire.

6. Respect.

In the end, it is all about respect. Respect of yourself, your family members, and your elders. Knowing that you have young kids and older family members watching you and how you act, be the voice of reason. Stay out of the fray if you can, and lead my example.

The Chew’s Clinton Kelly also had some tips for family holiday dinners and what to NOT discuss during family events. He uses the DRIP rule:

D ieting (no one cares who is on a diet when it comes to the holiday spread. Do not discuss weight or dieting at the table)

R eligion (unless you know for sure everyone shares the same religion, don’t discuss it during mealtime)

I llness (you may be ill or have sick relatives but leave the sick talk away from the dinner)

P olitics (same as religion. Refrain from discussing politics, keep the conversation light)

No family is perfect. But the holiday time is a time to love, share, and give, all in a positive way. I hope these tips help  guide you if you are experiencing family drama.


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In: Family Ties, Holidays, Kids & Parenting, Relationships · Tagged: Christmas, Family, family gatherings, family ties, Holidays, Thanksgiving, Tips

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Comments

  1. home care services says

    July 11, 2017 at 2:14 pm

    Haha, don’t feed the trolls. Made my day. All that’s important is stay away from any bad vibes and enjoy your bonding.

    Reply

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Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & and empty-nester. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

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Another flower arranging therapy Reel, this time w Another flower arranging therapy Reel, this time with roses and a little Stevie Wonder. I could do this all day! 🌹 #traderjoes #flowers #roses #therapy #selfcare
Mimosas, beignets, and Benedicts, oh my! Brunch is Mimosas, beignets, and Benedicts, oh my! Brunch is my absolute favorite meal and @louieswinedive in Clayton treated us so well! I will definitely be back. 

#brunch #stl #stlouis #food #stlfoodie #hosted
Brunch vibes. #latergram #brunch #stl #stlouis Brunch vibes. #latergram #brunch #stl #stlouis
A generous heart is always open, always ready to r A generous heart is always open, always ready to receive our going and coming. In the midst of such love, we need never fear abandonment. This is the most precious gift true love offers – the experience of knowing we always belong.” — bell hooks
One more week before she goes back to school for h One more week before she goes back to school for her second semester. Reppin #stl and @seriessixcompany. 

#stlouis #collegekid #stlmade #mykid
Flower arranging has become the self-care I didn’t know I needed. It’s a tranquil and relaxing experience for me. Get into it. 💐 #traderjoes #flowers #therapy #selfcare
It was about a mellow mood & self-care for me toda It was about a mellow mood & self-care for me today as I spent the first day of the year taking care of my mind, body, and soul. It went something like this…. #newyear #selfcare #overforty #fortyish
We made it a family night at @stlouiswheelpark. A We made it a family night at @stlouiswheelpark. A time was had and memories were made. Grateful that I got some extra days with these guys (thanks Southwest—now run my son back his reimbursement 😂).
My family gifted me $250 worth of Sephora gift car My family gifted me $250 worth of Sephora gift cards as one of my Christmas surprises. Take a look at my haul which includes makeup for oily skin and a some faves! #sephora #haul #skin #oilyskin #beautyproducts #overforty #midlifewomen
It’s #giveaway time! Enter to win 2 silk pillowc It’s #giveaway time! Enter to win 2 silk pillowcases from @celestialsilk made of 100% mulberry silk. Sleep better in the new year and take care of you! Entry detail link in bio. #selfcare #sleeping #newyear #review
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