We’re right here in the center of holiday celebrations. Whatever holiday you celebrate, the joy, laughter, gatherings and food are a part of it.
As you bring together your families and friends, you are all different and all alike in so many ways. You love your friends and family, though you may not always like them.
Sometimes you have diverse and divisive opinions and philosophies. These disparities can create uncomfortable situations. We have many strong astrological aspects happening this month as we proceed into 2020. Use these aspects for support, count on them and their divine intervention in events.
Now, please allow me the opportunity to share 5 tips for creating conversation and communication beyond the usual stress reducers of the holidays.
Let me preface with the three most common triggers in family/friend get togethers:
- A family or friend brings up a memory they think is funny and others don’t.
- With the loss of a loved one, family members are at different places in the grieving process. Remembering humorous stories of the deceased may not be pleasant for everyone.
- Financial matters, whether an inheritance or how a family member is making financial and career choices
And allow me to add a fourth in these times of prevalent media coverage and commentary at all levels:
Different members of the family hold polarized views of political and social issues. This one is a biggy, for sure!!
First, take a look at what the issues are behind the people who are disrupting the holidays.
“Sometimes people who yell the loudest or who cry the most just feel like they are not heard.”
- Set ground rules for discussion tone, not discussion topic.
- Center conversation in sharing and learning.
- Humor can break up the tension but use it wisely.
- Include everyone at the table, especially kids. They have a great perspective.
- Switch your perspective. Play “Switcheroo”. Each person in the discussion will take the opposite perspective and find the positive in it.
Needless to say, there is no place for offensive words or name calling in the discussion.
My thanks to Marva Robinson for her loving input on this subject.
