Christmas With The Family: 7 Precepts To Enjoy It
“Christmas, children, is not a date. It’s a state of mind! ”. So spoke Mary Ellen Chase, but what happens to those people who don’t experience it like that? This article is aimed at them in particular, as we present some precepts to enjoy or, at least, endure Christmas as a family .
Although the majority of people who celebrate this holiday enjoy the holidays, it is not possible to generalize and extend this idea to everyone. While some try to be more empathic and happy during Christmas with the family, others see no reason to do something special and even go so far as to grieve these days, as they feel like they are being forced to celebrate.
Precepts to enjoy Christmas with the family
As Charles Dickens said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and I will try to keep it with me all year “. In other words, it doesn’t seem like a good idea to be extreme these days, neither from a negative standpoint nor by overdoing it in wanting to be happier and empathetic for just 20 days. But then … what should we do?
There are several reasons we can find for not enjoying a family Christmas. Whether it’s because of arguments with other members or because a loved one is not around or simply because we may not like it for days. However, it is possible to endure it and even spend it well. So, at least, says psychologist Graci Molines.
You wish it to be so
The first key is to want to spend Christmas well with the family. However much we may not like it or how many problems there may be in our family, it does not cease to be a good opportunity to enjoy the moment, reconnect and have a good time. The willingness to make these parties enjoyable is essential.
Distinguish the important from the unnecessary
If you are in the family and want to argue about every little thing, this will be it. Conversely, if you try to be receptive and unwilling to catch any not-too-important comment or act to “pop”, you will give yourself and others an opportunity to enjoy the moment.
They, the people you care about, are always a good reason not to quarrel precisely during dates in which feelings predominate, for those who live them and await them with pleasure.
Focus on the positive things
Family Christmas is a good time to focus on the positive, not the other way around. If family gatherings seem tedious to you, try to focus on what you like best about them. For sure there will be someone you particularly appreciate, fun and precious moments that you can enjoy.
Improve your mood
Forget the sullen face and look at Christmas as a family with the desire to get together , contribute, participate. In doing so, you will make others a pleasure and you will also make yourself more involved.
This way, it will be harder not to find something beautiful on an occasion that partly fits what you care about.
Look for the empathy you have within you
Once again… the eternal empathy, always so necessary. In this case, in the middle of a family Christmas, it is crucial. If you are able to understand the motives of others and even put yourself in their shoes, this time of year will surely be much more bearable and, who knows, maybe you will also like it.
In this sense, if you can somehow get in tune with the feelings of those who enjoy the holidays, it will be easier for you too.
Respect others
Very similar to the previous point. In this case, remember that each person is a world unto himself and has his own way of seeing life. So, as difficult as it can be at times, you need to respect others. Listen to their views and, while you don’t share them, be respectful of their ideas.
Don’t bring up sensitive issues
Garaci Molines offers us one last very important precept to enjoy Christmas with the family. During a family reunion, where everyone knows each other well, we know that there are certain topics that can cause discomfort.
So, especially around Christmas, why bring them up? This is certainly not the time to annoy or embarrass anyone.
Christmas has no reason to be hard on anyone. In any case, take advantage of these precepts to enjoy it in the company of your family. These tips will help you endure these dates, but will come in very handy at any social gathering. Take advantage of it!
