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Surviving the holidays: Report says to avoid family conflict, change expectations

158 views · Published 28 December 2018 · 3:07 · Indexed 12 October 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - If you are gathering for the holidays, but you're dreading some of the conversation and conflict that often goes with family time, you are not alone.

It is the season that brings families together, but psychology experts say holiday conflict can make it a challenging time. They say, sometimes, bringing families together can make for a clash of traditions. And rather than a merry holiday, you can have a merry mess.

It's often an all-day meal in the making, but when families get together, there can be lots of holiday cheer and lots of holiday culture clashes.

Psychologists at the Cleveland Clinic issued a survival guide for the next few days as you gather with friends and family.

First: Manage your expectations. In other words, other than getting together, don't expect everyone to want to do the same things. So, for example, if some people want to help cook, some might not. Some people want to help clean up, and others want to watch football.

Those things can often change from previous seasons, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and expecting people to do things they don't want to do leads to conflict.

Second: Be careful about alcohol intake. It often leads to lowered inhibitions, and people say things they otherwise might not.

Finally: Be respectful of love and loss. Sometimes a friend or family member arrives to the party after a tough year. That means gifts can change, finances can change for contributions for family gatherings and new people arrive.

Also, those who have been there before may not be there this year. This too can lead to conflict if expectations are not met or courtesy is not extended.

It's suggested if you know it will be stressful, make an early exit. You may also need a code word with your spouse if you need to leave or be removed from a conversation.

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