Family Holiday Gatherings: Enjoying or Enduring?

Author

Kevin A. Thompson
November 24, 2024

In partnership with

Gratitude, thanksgiving, great food, family togetherness, Christmas, presents, etc.

An uncle making inappropriate comments, a cousin who drinks too much, divorced parents, a son’s questionable boyfriend, inflation, pressure, etc.

Which of the previous two sentences best describes your holiday gatherings? For most, it’s a mixture of both. No family is perfect, and no holiday gathering is without a little tension, frustration, and uncertainty.

While every holiday carries some imperfection, there are things we can do to make every gathering go better. (Remember the C.I.A.—what do you control, what do you influence, and what must you accept?)

This week on Change the Odds the Podcast, Dr. Barbara Wilson joins me for a Q&A Holiday edition. Readers regularly submit anonymous questions HERE. In this week’s episode, Barbara and I answer those questions. Listen on APPLE or SPOTIFY. (Don’t forget to like or follow.)

Have a question? Submit it to the link above and we might answer it on Instagram.

What's the most likely source of turmoil for you at the holidays?

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Whatever the sources of your holiday tensions, there is one thing you can control—you. Whatever your circumstance make sure to take some time to focus on true gratitude. Consider this The Best Thanksgiving You Will Ever Have.

For more, see:

At Some Point This Week, Connect With Your Spouse

Holidays are busy. In the days leading up to family gatherings, be thoughtful and helpful with each other. But at some point after the demands have diminished, make sure that you connect with each other. Sit on the porch and have a cup of coffee, watch a movie together, go for a walk, plan a night of intimacy, etc. Whatever it takes, don’t let this week go by without expressing and experiencing true gratitude for each other.

I’m grateful for all the comments and kind words as people continue to experience Stay In Your Lane. If you haven’t left a review on Amazon, please do so.

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