After spending the last few years enjoying scaled-back holiday events, coming back to a table full of different personalities and viewpoints can feel overwhelming.  Here are a few tips that may help you prepare for festivities so you can maintain your festive spirit and feel less friction with your beloved family. 

In this episode we explore 

• How they know how to push your buttons
• Ways to restore perspective after feeling triggered
• Courtesy versus boundaries, and finding the sweet spot
• Taking responsibility for your own emotional needs
• Discussing what will or won’t be discussed
• Confirmation bias and how it can divide
• Agreeing to disagree, or Right versus Happy
• The real meaning of family gatherings

A note: These perspectives and suggestions are based on my own experience and personal character, and may not be the most highly evolved guidelines for creating a peaceful family gathering, but they’re what have worked for me and may help you sail through the season with a little less friction at the table.  

Your own personal experience and viewpoints are welcome, please share in the comments at https://happifiedlife.com 

Exploring others’ perspectives is always helpful in recognizing what feels aligned and what doesn’t, and ultimately that inner compass is your most important guide! 

Wishing you a healthy, happy, and peaceful holiday season.