This is the time of year when we need to realize when our thoughts should be charitable, and our deeds for the good of mankind. Otherwise we are unlikely to survive the coming months, for our families will utterly destroy us.
Tensions run high this time of year and we need to make sure that we do our best to temper those tensions rather than increase them. It's understandable how that we would feel a little more stress around this time of year; for a social species we really don't like dealing with our fellow man more than absolutely necessary. This means that when we are forced to deal with others we tend to get a bit more stressful than needed. It doesn't help that some of these people we haven't seen for almost a year, and so we are worried about what they think of us, especially if we didn't get along with that person.
It can help if apply certain biblical rules to the situation. The biggie is to not covet. Period. Jealousy is going to be a major issue this season, especially in any gift-giving situation; you may see the gifts others receive and feel somehow slighted if you don't feel your gift measures up to someone else's. Even if you feel that you got the "guest gift", that present kept in reserve for someone that happens to show up, enjoy anything you receive and don't be jealous of other's gifts; you can be envious a little, but enjoy the gift along with them rather than hate them for it.
Honor your father and mother, especially if you don't get along with them. Even if it's your house, you'll find it will go a lot easier if you give them the run of the place. Obviously if you can rent them a room in a nearby hotel it would work out a lot better, but remember to be nice to them at least. This is not to say that you need to be a welcome mat and let them walk all over you, but do be respectful. With any luck you won't have to deal with them for more than a day or two, so be nice as long as you are able.
Avoid gossip. It's going to be hard, but one of the problems with gossip is that it tends to come back on you. Try to be as non-committal as possible, and only discuss family problems as little as absolutely possible. Work with only what you know are the facts, and only offer suggestions, not actual statements. This is when it can only help to stay out of politics, especially family politics.
Remember humility. This is the time of year when you want to let others see you but keep your head low. Compete as much as much as you want, but don't be prideful about it. Nobody likes a sore winner, and no one as memory like your family.You need to walk that line between being proud of your accomplishments and still being humble. Keep in mind that a little humility will help if you need to get advice on something. Play nice and you should do well this time of year. Heck, you may even survive to see next year!
Tensions run high this time of year and we need to make sure that we do our best to temper those tensions rather than increase them. It's understandable how that we would feel a little more stress around this time of year; for a social species we really don't like dealing with our fellow man more than absolutely necessary. This means that when we are forced to deal with others we tend to get a bit more stressful than needed. It doesn't help that some of these people we haven't seen for almost a year, and so we are worried about what they think of us, especially if we didn't get along with that person.
It can help if apply certain biblical rules to the situation. The biggie is to not covet. Period. Jealousy is going to be a major issue this season, especially in any gift-giving situation; you may see the gifts others receive and feel somehow slighted if you don't feel your gift measures up to someone else's. Even if you feel that you got the "guest gift", that present kept in reserve for someone that happens to show up, enjoy anything you receive and don't be jealous of other's gifts; you can be envious a little, but enjoy the gift along with them rather than hate them for it.
Honor your father and mother, especially if you don't get along with them. Even if it's your house, you'll find it will go a lot easier if you give them the run of the place. Obviously if you can rent them a room in a nearby hotel it would work out a lot better, but remember to be nice to them at least. This is not to say that you need to be a welcome mat and let them walk all over you, but do be respectful. With any luck you won't have to deal with them for more than a day or two, so be nice as long as you are able.
Avoid gossip. It's going to be hard, but one of the problems with gossip is that it tends to come back on you. Try to be as non-committal as possible, and only discuss family problems as little as absolutely possible. Work with only what you know are the facts, and only offer suggestions, not actual statements. This is when it can only help to stay out of politics, especially family politics.
Remember humility. This is the time of year when you want to let others see you but keep your head low. Compete as much as much as you want, but don't be prideful about it. Nobody likes a sore winner, and no one as memory like your family.You need to walk that line between being proud of your accomplishments and still being humble. Keep in mind that a little humility will help if you need to get advice on something. Play nice and you should do well this time of year. Heck, you may even survive to see next year!
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