Top tips for avoiding festive conflict from leading relationship support charity
The festive period is supposed to be full of goodwill and kindness, but what happens when it stops being merry? For many, Christmas can be extremely fraught, often resulting in conflict, with stress, financial worries and the pressures of expectation creating strain on relationships.
Relationships Scotland, the largest provider of relationship support in the country, is offering advice to families and couples looking for a more peaceful Christmas. They say communication is key but don’t be afraid to seek help if everything becomes too much.
Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland said: “Many people are at risk of setting high expectations of what Christmas should be like, but sadly for some the reality is far from magical.
“Financial pressure is one of the biggest sources of stress at this time of year, and this can very quickly manifest itself into conflict and relationship turmoil.
“Our advice to families this Christmas is to focus on spending good quality time with your loved ones and don’t get into debt in the hope of having the perfect Christmas. If things do get too much, always remember that support is available, with relationship counselling and family mediation available across the country.”
Relationships Scotland is offering some top tips to look after your mental health during the festive period:
Set boundaries with family
There can be a lot of pressure to see every member of your family at Christmas time. However, it is important to set boundaries to ensure you have a happy Christmas. If you only feel comfortable spending 30 minutes with your parents or in-laws, set that boundary and stick to it.
Don’t compare yourself to social media
It is so easy to see Christmas content on social media platforms and feel overwhelmed by these expectations.
Extravagant door decorations, festive tablescapes can be beautiful but these are costly and unnecessary. When you look back at your Christmas memories, it is not the decorations you remember, it’s the fun and laughter.
Do what feels right for you
Christmas can be anything you want it to be. Although the traditional turkey and all the trimmings is lovely, cooking can be a stressful experience and not to everyone’s taste.
Why not do something out of the norm that makes you happy? Chuck some pizzas in the oven, order a Chinese takeaway, or graze on a cheeseboard.
Relationships Scotland’s unique network of 21 Member Services operates in communities all over Scotland, from the Borders to Shetland and the Western Isles, ensuring it is able to meet the needs of families across the country.
It provides high quality, specialist support services, working with children, young people, couples, individuals and families to help reduce conflict, improve communication and ensure that people are supported to manage times of relationship crisis and breakdown.
