The holidays are suddenly upon us, and that means a steady stream of invites to parties and family gatherings will be forthcoming. While the season can indeed become a bit hectic, it is important to schedule at least a few of these social events into your holiday planning.
This is a special time of year that brings a warm sense of nostalgia to the surface. We can feel the past family traditions in our bones, prompting us to keep those traditions. For many of us holiday traditions are like a warm, cozy blanket.
The same is true for traditions we have with our friends, like the annual Christmas luncheon, holiday dessert bake-off, or happy hour gift exchange. We wouldn’t miss these yearly events with dear friends for the life of us. Read on to learn all about the positive effects of holiday gatherings.
5 Positive Benefits of Holiday Gatherings
Even when you aren’t feeling particularly social, try to push through the malaise and attend at least a couple of holiday gatherings to enjoy the following benefits:
- Reconnecting with friends and family. For some of us, the holidays are the only time of year we get to spend quality time with our loved ones and extended family. Getting together allows us to rekindle our connections with key people in our lives.
- Maintaining holiday traditions. There is something truly beautiful about maintaining holiday traditions. Whether it is your mom’s perfect pecan pie or watching the kids and their cousins playing the annual baseball game at the park, it’s the holiday traditions that give the gathering special meaning.
- Feeling a sense of belonging. In this world, it can be hard to feel a sense of belonging, as most of us are so busy fulfilling our daily obligations. Gathering with your closest friends and family members at Christmastime offers us comfort and a deep sense of belonging.
- Taking a break from the daily routine. Our days are consumed by our 9-5 job, parenting obligations, housework, and appointments, leaving little time for fun. Attending holiday festivities with family and friends offers a respite from the daily grind.
- Helps us live longer. Yes, it is actually true that having strong family ties and close friendships has a positive effect on our health, according to a Harvard study. As inherently social beings, we thrive on human connection, which lowers stress levels by releasing stress-reducing hormones.
Tips For Resolving Conflicts at Gatherings
What happens, however, if you attend a gathering only to be met with problematic relationships within the family, or the lingering resentments of a friend? How do you manage today’s stark political divide and hot button social issues? Use these tips to manage uncomfortable conversations and situations during the holidays:
- Use distraction. Whether you are attending a party as a guest or are the host of the event, be armed with some great diversionary tactics. Plan for the guests to participate in some fun party games like Left, Right, Center, Who Can Do It, or Quick Wits. If it’s a beautiful day, bring out the lawn games like Bocce Ball or Corn Hole. It’s hard to stay mad when you’re having fun.
- Turn the other cheek. As tempting as it is to want to defend yourself or argue a point of view (because of course you know you’re right) try doing the opposite. When someone seems hostile, kill them with kindness. If a family member wants to engage in a political debate, just tell them you’ll take a pass. Take the high road and enjoy a peaceful holiday celebration.
- Focus on the reason for the season. It is easy to allow all the troubles in the world to spoil your holiday spirit, especially if there is some strife present at the gathering. Try to stay in the right frame of mind, that this is the time of year for counting blessings and celebrating your faith beliefs, and don’t let petty conflicts distract from that.
Make the holidays this year a positive experience for not only yourself, but for all your family and friends. Give them the gift of love.
