It’s getting to that time of year again – the holiday season is fast approaching and with it come the mixed emotions that arise from extended visits by extended family members. So, take a deep, calming breath and follow this simple survival tips.
Now, I know you love your family, every single one of them – even the slightly eccentric ones. However, when the holidays come around and a four-bedroom house is suddenly occupied by a dozen extra people (or even just two or three) things can become incredibly tense.
Why Are Visits From Family So Stressful?
I’m a firm believer that we humans are not meant to live in overly crowded confines, it makes us tetchy, to say the least. And, even if you adore a group of people, after a short period of living on top of one another, you start to have fantasies of killing them…At least, I don’t think that’s just me!
Surviving a visit from the in-laws, or any family members for that matter, is all about ensuring that the pressure cooker atmosphere is not allowed to explode. “How?” I hear you cry. Well, there are a few simple steps that can be incredibly effective in relieving some of the tension.
Plan Ahead
Make sure you know exactly how many people you’re housing and catering for. Ensure that you’ve got enough space and, if you haven’t, explain this to the in-laws and suggest that they stay in a hotel.
Also, it’s a great idea to ask about any special dietary requirements. The last thing you need is a mad dash to the store to get additional supplies for one or more of your guests. Or, worse still, feel the pressure of having to create an unfamiliar dish from scratch.
Keep ‘em Busy
Boredom is the fastest route to nitpicking and squabbles. So, make sure that you have plenty of activities in mind for your visitors. If your in-laws are history fanatics and there is a good local museum, organize a trip there. If you don’t really know what would tickle their fancy, suggest a few things and let them make the choice.
Alternatively, of course, you can set up a games tournament, as a great outlet for all that hostile energy…Okay, that one might just be me. Get out the playing cards, the board games, maybe even the Wii – Who knows, your mother-in-law might have hidden ‘Guitar Hero’ talents.
Get Out!
No, it’s not the war cry, as you show them the door. However, getting outside, even if it’s as a family, can be very helpful. Of course, taking a walk on your own (or with the dog) can be even more helpful! In either case, don’t underestimate the effect of spending some time in the fresh air. Remember, that tension is predominantly caused by being in close confines with your loved ones, so time spent in wide open spaces can be very therapeutic.
I’m not suggesting that this will result in a stress-free visit from the in-laws, but it will certainly help. Oh, and one final piece of advice – don’t do it alone. Make sure that your husband or partner is helping to organize and prepare for the visit.
To all of my fellow women, good luck this holiday season!
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