How To Cope With Family Challenges During Holidays: Uncomfortable Questions, Rusty Relationship, and More

Many people usually overlook family challenges during the holiday season. This mistake might be repeated now that Christmas and New Year celebrations are just around the corner.

If family members don't change this habit, they will likely repeat it year after year. Facing family challenges doesn't necessarily ruin your celebrations.

In fact, it could strengthen your relationships, making your family stronger than ever. To help you, here are some of the most common family challenges and how to overcome them.

How To Cope With Family Challenges During Holidays

(Photo : Gareth Harper from Unsplash)
How To Cope With Family Challenges During Holidays: Uncomfortable Questions, Rusty Relationship, and More

CBS News reported that the holiday season is when families gather at the dinner table to celebrate or start an argument with one another.

"While the holidays are often marketed as a very happy time to gather with family, this is not always the case," said Lifestance Health's family therapist Leanna Stockhard.

She added that there are numerous challenges that family members can face, and these issues can become worse during the holiday season as people tend to feel pressured to be happy.

This is why it is important to know how to cope with the usual family issues you might encounter, such as the following:

Issue: Complicated schedules in large/blended families.

Solution: Always be mentally prepared since schedule issues are among the things that are out of your control.

Issue: Dealing with extended or estranged family members.

Solution: You don't need to create deep conversations with them. Just interact with them like an acquaintance, but don't be afraid to take the space you need.

Issue: Holiday expectations, such as having a perfect celebration, are unmet.

Solution: Just like complicated schedules, you can't control how people behave during holiday celebrations and how these gatherings will be. This is why you must have an honest conversation with them, as well as with yourself.

Issue: Uncomfortable questions, such as those about careers, romantic relationships, etc.

Solution: Always set boundaries and let them know their limits. But, nicely inform them.

Issue: Political conversations, such as the upcoming 2024 presidential election.

Solution: You can decide if you want to engage in their political discussions or not. But, inform them you will not converse just so they are aware.

(Photo : Chad Madden from Unsplash)
How To Cope With Family Challenges During Holidays: Uncomfortable Questions, Rusty Relationship, and More

Now that you know the common problems families face during holidays, it is time to learn how to strengthen your relationship with one another.

CCU (Consumers Credit Union) provided some effective tips you can follow, such as the following:

Since holiday celebrations are also about eating together, why not share your recipes with other family members? Even kids can engage in baking cookies or cooking spaghetti.
Of course, movie marathons will happen. Try sharing some of your favorite movies or series with your family members.
Although some people don't find connecting with others comfortable, it is still one of the best ways to strengthen relationships. Remember, humans are social beings.