Christmas should be a time of loving and rejoicing, but annoying siblings and overly critical parents may create more conflict than cheer. Here are some ways you can help make sure everyone’s Christmas stays merry.SITUATION #1: Your parents don’t like your current partner and refuse to spend Christmas with him.
WHAT TO DO: Before you turn this into a “You and Me against the World” scenario, consider the following: if you have only been dating this guy for a few weeks or months, you may want to reconsider having him join the party. You have the rest of 2011 to convince your parents that he’s an okay kind of guy. But if you have been together for years, or if you two are married, then the reasons for your parents’ dislike should already be clear. If it is something that has no chance of ever being resolved, you may just have to talk to him about skipping this year’s shindig. There is no point in disrupting everyone else’s fun because of a private disagreement. This is one battle you do not want to get into during special days like Christmas or your parents’ birthdays. Do it behind closed doors and on other days of the year.
SITUATION #2: Your annoying kid brother loves retelling embarrassing stories about you at parties—and this year, he plans to bring accompanying photos as well!
WHAT TO DO: Believe it or not, it’s possible your brother doesn’t know how his antics make you feel. So a few days before the party, give him a call and politely ask him if he wouldn't mind keeping his stories in check this year. Let him know that you find your behavior embarrassing. He may be more cooperative than you think.
SITUATION #3: Your mother does nothing but criticize everything you do.
WHAT TO DO: Give her something to do at the party, whether it’s making sure the food on the table doesn’t run out, or entertaining a balikbayan guest. If she’s busy, then she won’t have time to complain and criticize. When the party is over and she starts nitpicking, then that’s another story. But hey, at least you had a few stress-free hours!
THE SITUATION: You’re stuck doing all the preparations for the annual family party, and no one is lifting a finger to help!
WHAT TO DO: Some people may find the thought of putting a party together daunting—there’s so much to do! So try making it less intimidating by assigning your family members smaller tasks instead. For instance, mom can take care of making the guest list, dad can be in charge of picking up the lechon on the day itself, and younger cousins can help string up the balloons a few hours before the party. When the little pieces come together, your party will be all set before you know it.
THE SITUATION: Your alcoholic uncle plans to make an appearance.
WHAT TO DO: Nothing will disrupt a party more than the guests who get drunk and start to act boorish, or throw up all over the dining room floor. If you know you will have guests who can’t handle their liquor, then consider serving purely non-alcoholic drinks at your party. If this cannot be done, at least limit the amount of alcohol served and designate another relative to watch over the tipsy ones to make sure things don't get out of hand. When all else fails, have a designated driver ready to take them home after a certain number of drinks.
[Trouble with warring siblings? Click here to read up on dealing when you're stuck in the middle.]
(Photo from Home Alone courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox)
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