Relationship charity Relate Isle of Man has compiled a list of top tips for ensuring everyone has a happier Christmas this year.
The charity acknowledges that it can be a ‘really stressful’ time of year due to high expectations, money worries and family tensions.
And it says that argument-free family time comes top of most people’s Christmas lists this year.
Relate counsellor Clare said: ‘Christmas can be a great chance to spend time with loved ones, but it can also be really stressful.
‘High expectations, money worries and family tensions can put a real strain on celebrations.
‘It can seem impossible to please everyone and sometimes the family home can feel like a simmering pot just waiting to boil over.
‘But simple techniques like thinking about what you want to say before voicing any concerns can really help to cool things down.
‘And some frustrations or arguments can be headed off before they ever happen by making sure that everyone gets a chance to air hopes and worries before the season gets into full swing.
‘So get talking now!’
Some people are concerned about feeling lonely this Christmas.
Clare said: ‘Whilst it may seem like a struggle to include extended family and friends in your celebrations, you might be able to make a huge difference to someone who’s feeling lonely at this time of year.’
Here are Relate Isle of Man’s five top tips for ensuring everyone has a happier Christmas:
• Start talking early.
Encourage everyone to be honest about their festive hopes and fears.
• Don’t overpromise.
If something is impractical, or too expensive, it’s OK to explain why it can’t happen.
• Try to compromise.
For example, your partner might want to spend a cosy Christmas alone together, whereas you might want to be with your wider family.
Compromise by waking up together and having a special breakfast before joining the family for Christmas dinner.
• It’s okay to say no.
If someone’s wishes can’t be accommodated, explain why and see if it’s possible to do something similar at a later date.
• Enjoy yourself!
Take a step back and try not to get too bogged down in the organisation.
Among the charity’s findings are:
• People said spending time with immediate family is important to them for a happy Christmas this year
• Avoiding family arguments is important to people for a happy Christmas
• The cost of Christmas is most commonly reported as a worry
• Some people were worried about feeling lonely this Christmas.
Relate Isle of Man offers information, advice and counselling for all relationships.
It launched a new service from its centre in Douglas – family counselling – earlier this year after the Rotary Club of Douglas donated £6,000 through the Lockington Marshall Trust to enable a qualified Relate counsellor to complete a two-year MA in relationship therapy.
The charity’s mission is to develop and support healthy relationships by helping couples and individuals to make relationships work better.
A high quality service is delivered by highly trained counsellors.
Earlier this year, the charity celebrated 50 years of counselling in the island with an event held at the House of Keys attended by Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood.
Call 623902 or visit relate@org.uk for more information on how Relate Isle of Man can support you and your family this Christmas.