The Do’s and Don’ts of Dealing with Difficult Holiday Guests

It’s twenty-one days before Christmas, and you’re starting to stress out. Not only do you have to prepare your home for holiday guests, but you also have to prepare yourself for dealing with difficult relatives. Let’s be honest—family can sometimes be challenging to deal with. Every family has that one person who needs that extra special attention. But the more you give them, the more they seem to need, so if you dread spending time with your difficult relatives this holiday season, we’re here to help with simple do’s and don’ts for dealing with demanding guests.

How to Deal with Difficult Holiday Guests

The best advice we can give you is to invite them without inviting them. Sometimes it’s just easier not to invite someone. But if you must invite them…

Keep them from overstaying their welcome. Even if they’re family, it’s important to set boundaries. Tell them how long you expect them to stay, and stick to that timeline as closely as possible. If they start to wear out their welcome, don’t be afraid to ask them to leave politely. Your home is your sanctuary, after all!

TEATIME: Tea and Biscotti Pairing Gift Guide

Never, ever talk politics and religion over the holiday dinner table. But if it comes up, be open to learning and understanding rather than judging and criticizing.

Have a plan B—and even C—for entertainment. Not everyone is going to get along, and that’s okay! Having a few activities planned will help ensure everyone has a good time. That way, if two people can’t stand being in the same room together, they can split off and do their own thing.

Don’t feed into the drama. If someone is looking to upset the apple cart, do your best to defuse the situation and move on. Remind everyone that the holidays are supposed to be fun and filled with joy, and welcome everyone to join you in singing your favorite Christmas Carol. This little technique doesn’t make anyone feel funky after a funky situation. It changes the mood and gets everyone into the spirit.

Schedule alone time in your day. Whether taking a break with a cup of coffee and biscotti or taking a brisk walk, make sure to take some time for yourself so you don’t burn out.

Most importantly, remember the holiday’s are supposed to be about happiness, love, and joy. Don’t let anyone ruin that for you!

The holiday season is when families come together to celebrate the year past and look forward to the one ahead. But sometimes, dealing with difficult relatives can put a damper on things. By following these simple tips, you can ensure everyone has a happy and stress-free holiday season!