4 STEPS TO AVOIDING A CHRISTMAS CLASH

Let psychologist AMANDA GORDON guide you through a room packed with personality!

While some people breeze through family catch-ups at this time of the year, it’s a stressful time for many. “There can be a lot of tension around family gatherings,” says Amanda Gordon, founder of Armchair Psychology. The good news is that run-ins between relatives and friends can be avoided with some easy-to-apply tips…

1. LIMIT THE BOOZE

If you’re the host, don’t offer alcohol at the start of festivities, Amanda advises. “Often it’s a hot day and we start with beer and then have wine with lunch, and people can behave very badly. Start with non-alcoholic drinks – that way you’re not going to have such a high level of emotion early on.”

2. MAKE RESOLUTIONS

If there happens to be conflict during your festive gathering, it’s not always best to try to sort out the situation then and there, according to Amanda. “Sometimes you just have to say, ‘It’s Christmas, let’s deal with this another time, but sooner rather than later,’ ” she says. “Agree to meet before the next event, like New Year’s Eve, and make things right.”

3. ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM EARLY

“See whether you can have any conversations with the people you’re a bit tense with before the big day itself,” Amanda advises. “If there’s a chance of having a phone call with Mum because the last time you spoke was a bit off, do it. Just trying to make it nice before you get together will make life easier.”

4. DON’T LET GUESTS TS GET ‘HANGRY’

“Make sure you understand that people’s blood sugar levels s going up and down makes them m emotional,” explains Amanda of the infamous fusion of hunger and anger (hence: hanger). “Be e aware of the pacing of meals and make sure people aren’t starving by the time they sit down. Again, make sure you’re e not giving them alcohol. You don’t want them just drinking because they’re hungry.”