Deck Your Halls, Not Your Relatives

d. You could smile, realizing that this relative that you only see once in a blue moon does not have an opinion that matters to you and say, "Have a Happy Holiday!" And get away from the old bird without incident.

3. If there is someone who you have had a fight with, you might try to talk it out with this person so that when you see them it will not be so uncomfortable. Remember, the holiday season is a time of peace and forgiveness.

4. On the note of peace and forgiveness, it is a great time to ask someone for forgiveness, if you have wronged them. However, I would only do this if it is something honestly that comes from your heart.

5. If the situation is so horrible, you could even opt to stay home, for one year and create your own peace and happy holidays.

6. Remember that you are in control of your reactions. This knowledge could make or break a confrontation. If someone is acting lousy to you, you do not have to act lousy to them. Take the highroad and do not sink into the gutter beside this person, with the old an eye for an eye. Remain safely on the curb and know that you will be the better person by not sinking to a childish level with them. If you join the gutter dweller, by letting them goad a reaction out of you, then they have succeeded in changing who you are. Be true to yourself.

I found an article on how great forgiveness is for your health. To check out some food for thought when pondering how to deal with stress giving relatives, see:

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/Healt...

I know that there are tons of different situations out there and these are just some suggestions to keep your stress low so that you may enjoy a lovely holiday season.

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