Spending Holidays With Family And Friends – Too Much, Too Little, Or Just Right?
For many, the holidays are a time to spend with family and friends. However, this aspect of the holiday season can come with challenges. The tips below can help you overcome these challenges.
- Sometimes you may choose to withhold information about your treatment or health for various reasons. Though this can be the right decision based on your circumstances, it can also take a lot of energy to contain this information. Factor this in when preparing for the holiday.
- Arrange to call or visit a friend or family member who you can speak openly with during the holiday so that you have an outlet to speak freely.
- Decide how much information you wish to share and present it in a way that feels most comfortable.
- Don’t feel pressured to share more than you were prepared to share. It’s okay not to answer every question.
- Set emotional and physical boundaries that enable you to feel more comfortable.
- Take care of your needs and clearly communicate your needs to family and friends.
- Teach people how you wish to be treated. They will follow your lead.
- Create time and space for yourself.
- Learn from your past experiences. You know your family and friends’ characters and behaviors. Have reasonable expectations based on what you know.
- You can’t control what people say and how they behave. The meaning and importance you give it is up to you.
- Getting together with friends and family doesn’t need to be limited to the holidays. Be proactive in making plans and carving out time to spend with loved ones.
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