By Kac Young PhD, ND, DCH

When the holiday season approaches some people are thrilled at the prospect of going home to be with family; others dread it. Those who are happy need no advice, just a happy wish for a good trip and safe travels. However, if it’s not a joyous experience you anticipate, here are some tips that might help you.

1. Decide ahead of time it will be fun.

2. Don’t try to change anyone or anything. Put on your flexible hat and go with the flow. The visit won’t last forever and you can do anything for a short amount of time.

3. If you find that you can’t accept “them” as they are, then accept them for their entertainment value. Act as if you were a newspaper writer and you’re writing a story about them for your column. Be unemotional and act as if you are on a fact-finding mission. You’ll be surprised how some emotional distance will help you feel more comfortable and you may even find yourself enjoying them.

4. Try being who you really are with the people at home. Use the mantra “Keep Calm and Carry On,” which is a phrase that the British used to inspire it’s citizens during the bombing blitzes of WWII.

5. If someone tries to tell you what to do, do it if you want to, but don’t do it if you don’t want to. Don’t let yourself be bullied. Thank them for their suggestion and then Keep Calm and Carry On!

6. Be gracious. It’s free and a little graciousness goes a long way.

7. Don’t discuss religion, sex or politics. Unless you know for sure you are on the same page as someone else, refrain from touching on these subjects as they are bound to cause discord.

8. Stay centered. Whatever you need to keep your core steady, do it. Meditate, go for walks, pray, whatever practice gets you into a calm and harmonious state, do it.

9. Make sure you have a Holiday Homey. Plan ahead and make arrangements with a friend that you can call, no matter what time, if you think you might lose it. (I’m borrowing this idea from the Phone A Friend option on the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire). Rehearse with your friend, prior to leaving, and make sure he or she is pre-programmed with the right words that will help you get a grip. Promise the same service for them in return.

Those nine tips will help you have an easy and possibly even enjoyable family visit. A healing may occur within you and also within your family. Who knows? It’s certainly couldn’t hurt and it’s worth a try.

Happy Holidays to all.

– Kac Young , a former television director and producer, has earned a Ph.D. in Natural Health and is a Doctor of both Clinical Hypnotherapy and Naturopathy. She is the author of 10 books. Heart Easy is a system of nutritionally sound, delicious meals that promote heart health, long life and taste great. Traditional recipes are turned into heart healthy meals that anyone can make. The health results are outstanding.