14 Ways to Keep Your Sanity Intact While Spending Christmas with In-Laws
If getting along with in-laws wasn’t a hassle already, we’ve got Christmas coming up, so you know things are about to get iffy. If you’re hosting this Christmas or are simply visiting the in-laws, it’s time you set some boundaries; gone are the days when you’d worry about not getting along or losing your sanity because we’ve got the perfect tips to survive an in-law blowup.
Delegate Small Tasks
If you’ve got in-laws who are always talking about not being involved in the planning or execution of holiday dinners, it’s time to put a stop to it. Delegate small tasks and chores so they’re as involved in the celebration as you are. This will keep them occupied and give them an insight into how busy, challenging, and time-consuming hosting can be.
Avoid Personal Topics
Many families think they deserve to know everything about their children-in-law just because they married into their family. But you have the right to privacy; you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to. So avoid personal topics and try to steer the conversation, even if they insist, until they get the message.
Stay In Control Of Emotions
Let’s be real here: you’ll come close to losing it at least a few times when hanging around the in-laws. But don’t let your emotions control you; take control of the situation and redirect any remarks and hurtful comments with a polite smile. Losing control of your emotions will only make you look like an unstable bad guy.
Dress Appropriately
How we dress is our business, but every place has set rules and considerations for fashion. If you know your in-laws are conservative and won’t appreciate revealing outfits, why give them the chance to point fingers? Respect their space and boundaries and dress appropriately, within your comfort zone. It’ll keep the peace and avoid unnecessary remarks.
Limit Time
If you’re the one hosting, we recommend setting a limit on how long you have the in-laws over. It might seem harsh, but you don’t have to cater to your spouse’s family for a whole day. Entertain them for a couple of hours, and don’t shy away from calling it a night when you know you’re exhausted and need a break.
Plan Breathers
You’ll crumble under pressure if you don’t take breaks. Step away from the stove, go for a walk, or spend a few minutes on the balcony or the patio. Taking breaks isn’t only for hosts; you can step out of the house for a couple of minutes to cool down, even if you’re at the in-laws. Breathers will give you time to rearrange your thoughts and think straight.
Say No To Backhanded Compliments
One thing about in-laws anywhere in the world is that they’re going to give backhanded compliments, even when they don’t mean to. It might happen accidentally or on purpose, but how you react will set the tone for the future. Don’t let your in-laws throw backhanded compliments; either retort back or be clear about how rude they’re being.
Praise Their Efforts
While we go on and on about how to avoid getting on the wrong foot with your in-laws, it’s important to remember that they deserve respect as much as you. If they’re the ones hosting, set your differences aside and praise their efforts, no matter how the evening goes. It’ll set a positive tone and help them, and you’ll rehash any conflicts that may arise.
Filterfeed Information
If your in-laws have a history of nitpicking your decisions and lifestyles, don’t give them a window. Instead of sharing every update, only filter feed information so they know enough not to bother you but not so much that they’re being intrusive. They might try to pry information anyway but stick to vague, small answers to keep things easy.
Tag In Your Partner
If your spouse has a habit of sitting down and not doing much to defend you, it changes now. Tell your partner that you don’t appreciate being left alone to fend for yourself and will be relying on them to redirect any chaotic situations. Whether it’s snarky comments about your life or backhanded tips for the food, ask your partner to step in and take a stand.
Stick To Safe Topics
It’s easy to get messy when you only focus on controversial topics. If politics, children, religion, and lifestyle are sensitive topics for you, simply ban them and let your in-laws know you won’t be entertaining them. Skirt around the conversations and switch to safe topics to stay peaceful and unconflicted.
Encourage Shared Traditions
Ask your in-laws about the holiday traditions they cherish most and find simple ways to include them in your celebration. Whether it’s cooking a special dish, playing a family game, or singing a favorite holiday song, adding their traditions can make them feel valued. It shows that you care about their history and want to make the day meaningful for everyone.
Plan Post-Gathering Relaxation
Even if the gathering goes off without a hitch, you’ll need a lot of time to recover from the mental and physical toll. Take a spa day the next morning to physically relax; you can even schedule an appointment with a therapist to help you review the get-together in a positive light. It’ll help you stay calm, and you’ll be able to figure out ways to improve things next year.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
Holidays aren’t always perfect, and that’s okay. When little things start to get under your skin, take a moment to remind yourself why you’re all together: to celebrate, enjoy each other’s company, and create memories. Focusing on the bigger picture helps you let go of minor annoyances and stay present for the moments that truly matter.
More For You
If you are planning to get together with your family, don’t forget your friends. You can host a small party for them on a different date. Not only will you have a great time, but you won’t feel any stress or anxiety when your friends are around.
This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.
