"You don't choose your family..." 5 tips for surviving Holiday with family

Desmond Tutu said "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

While this time of year is joyful, it can also be stressful. Holidays can trigger sad memories and family tensions.  After growing up hearing my liberal feminist mom argue with her right wing father-in-law, I was not surprised when my husband's dad made Archie Bunker look like Bernie Sanders.  Miraculously I was not shunned from the Citino clan and I'd like to share some tips I developed in coping with a challenging personality. Frank Sr. now suffers from dementia, he is more ornery than ever and I love him because he is family.

Tips for avoiding family conflict

1. Change the subject if it touches on politics or religion
2. Find a common interest like sports or how delicious the food is
3. Tell a joke- use humor as a diversion tactic
4. Deep breaths/imagery (go to your happy place)
5. Go to the bathroom or take a walk

Holding family tension can literally cause a pain in the neck or a pain in the butt. Acupressure healing can help release tension and ease emotional and physical discomfort.

All the best,

Karen

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Karentraub.ABMP.com