Thanksgiving. It’s the time of the year when we all come together to be thankful for friends, family, and all we have. During this time, many gather with their families for the first time all year. If you dread this time of the year, there’s no worry because you’re not alone. Over 53% of Americans visit their families during the holiday season, and many say that though they love their family, sometimes it can be a lot.
If you’re one of the people thinking about how they’ll survive this Thanksgiving and the upcoming Holiday season with their family, we are here to help. Take note of some of these tips and put them to good use when you see your family this season.
Family Gathering:
Do’s & Don’ts
When it comes to family gatherings, there are some basic do’s and don’ts that should be followed.
Do’s
- DO sit with people you get along with: Everyone has that one family member that they vibe and get along with regardless of time passed. So, during dinner or family activities, hang out with them.
- DO remember what you’re there for: Sometimes, occasionally reminding yourself why you’re at a family function can help keep you cool-headed. You love your family, and ultimately it’s great to spend some time with them, so remind yourself of that important reason.
- DO catch up with family members you haven’t seen in a while: For many, the Holiday season is the only time they get to see and interact with some family members. So, take the time to catch up with them, even if it’s for a short time.
Don’ts
- DON’T talk politics: Talking about politics can always turn left. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, and those might not match yours. Most of the time, this usually turns into a problem, so the best option is to not talk about politics.
- DON’T try to fix other people’s problems: No one is perfect, and dinner time is not the time to discuss everyone’s problems or try to fix them. So, unless you’re asked privately, don’t try to fix anyone’s problems.
- DON’T take things personally: The reality is that the things some family members say sometimes rub you the wrong way. If you’re there to have a good time and take a break, do your best not to take everything said personally. This is the only thing that will help give you peace of mind.
Remember, you are only in control of yourself, and you can’t control what other family members might do or say. Do your best to be in control of your reactions and make an effort to actually enjoy the time that you’re there, regardless of what anyone else says or does.
Change Things Up
Every family function is different, but sometimes you’ll do anything when it comes to survival. In this case, you can try to change things by coming up with activities or new family traditions. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and be grateful for those you have around you. Even though you’re trying to find a way to survive their different personalities, there are things you can do that will remind you why you’re there.
Take some of these new family traditions and activity ideas into consideration, and you can also make your own. Try some out and let us know in the comments and on social media which one you tried and how it went.
- Pass the Journal: Pass a blank journal around the family, young and old, and have everyone write what they are thankful for this year. When everyone is at the dinner table, someone can read it aloud. Over time, the journal will be filled every year, and you can see how gratitude changes over time.
- Have the kids decorate the room: This is a great activity to keep kids busy and can make a good picture. Find paper for them to color and hand it as a background.
- Personalize the table: If you’re hosting and already know everyone coming, you can personalize each person’s seat to match their personality. Or put your own twist on it and make it a game and have everyone guess which family member is sitting where.
- Go on a family walk or a game outside: Activities are mostly done indoors, depending on the weather. Change it up a little bit and encourage everyone to do a family walk or activity outside.
- Take a Family Picture & Make A Family Toast: Everyone loves a good picture, so before everyone leaves, make sure to take a group photo. And before or after the meal, make a family toast.
Useful Survival Tips For This Season
Here are some useful survival tips you can use this season and for other family-related events.
- Don’t drink too much
- Avoid personal topics
- Don’t forget the kids (they are just as fun as adults)
- Watch a game and use that as a point of conversation
- Help with the meal or in general around the house
- Bring someone you like with you (a partner or close friend)
- Be strategic about where you sit
- Limit conversation with the people you’re not fond of
- Plan your exit (know when you’re leaving and stick to it
- Make an effort actually to enjoy your time
MyCHN wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving, and we hope you survive the time with your family.
Resources
Antimaximalist: 20 Survival Tips For Thanksgiving Family Gatherings
Care.com: 10 Family Thanksgiving Traditions You Can Start This Year
Utah State University: Ask An Expert: Thanksgiving with the Family
Social Work Today: 4 Tips to Surviving Thanksgiving with Your Family
