BE ON YOUR BEST BEHAVIOUR

It’s the time of year when family and friends come together – and drive one another nuts! Here’s how to make the holidays run smoothly So many presents, so little money

TBy MIEKE VLOK HE sun is shining, there are presents under the tree and the scene is set for a relaxing festive season with your nearest and dearest.

Well, that’s the plan any-way – but reality has a way of rearing up like third cousin Tom trying to sneak a kiss under the mistletoe. You’re practically broke already, dreadful Aunt Doris is coming for Christmas dinner, Granny is threatening to produce her revolting tuna mousse and you just know Cousin Bob will get plastered in the corner again.

In other words, festive cheer can descend into one big fat misery fest before you can say “deck the halls”. Luckily there are ways to get around dinner-table blues, difficult family members and everything in between.

Here’s some holiday-season etiquette from the experts to ensure tinsel isn’t the only thing that sparkles this year. Blown your bonus before you’ve bought gifts for loads of family members? Stop panicking and start talking, says Anri van der Linde, owner of the Jaffae finishing school in Johannesburg.

Contact family members and come to some form of consensus – such as buying gifts only for the children or deciding on a maximum spend per present.

When it comes to younger kids, buy for everyone or no one, says Courtenay Carey, executive head of the African Institute of Protocol, which provides leadership and etiquette training.

Little kids can feel hurt if they’re left out – but the great thing about them is they’re easily satisfied so you don’t need to spend a lot to see them smile.

Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary stress, says Charlotte Youens, owner of Joburg etiquette school The Elegant Touch – and if you’ve left it too late, try to remember for next year. “A bit of research and thought can make gift selection a whole lot easier. If you rush out at the last minute