All About People

To spread some holiday cheer, we’re excited to present our twist on the classic "12 Days of Christmas." Get ready for All About People’s “12 Days of Christmas: From Conflict to Holiday Harmony”! Here, we share practical tips, insights, and festive inspiration to help make this season joyful and harmonious for everyone. Head to our LinkedIn page to see more!

Day 1: Christmas  Expectations

The holiday season can bring many expectations, from family plans to workplace obligations. If you're feeling stretched thinly, remember that setting boundaries is an act of caring for yourself! Let loved ones and colleagues know your limits kindly and respectfully. Here’s a tip: try using “I” statements, like “I feel more at peace and ease when I have time to recharge, so I’ll need some downtime.” Clear, open communication can make the season a little brighter for everyone! 

Day 2: Navigating Family Gatherings

Family gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to connect, and (no buts) sometimes differing opinions can lead to tension. When a conversation gets tricky, take a deep breath and focus on listening. Show empathy by letting the other person finish speaking without interrupting. You don’t have to agree, but a little understanding can help keep the peace. Try phrases like, “I see where you’re coming from,” or “I hadn’t thought of it that way.” 

Day 3: Tackling Gift-Giving Pressure

Gift-giving should be a joy, not stressful. If you’re worried about overspending, consider a spending limit with family or friends early. Consider alternatives like DIY gifts or shared experiences! In the workplace, a group gift exchange with a price cap can keep things fun and budget-friendly. Try saying, “How about we set a limit on gifts this year?” Simple agreements help keep gift-giving enjoyable and stress-free. 

Day 4: Parties and Professionalism

Office Christmas parties are a great time to unwind but remember to keep things professional. Humour is welcome but be careful when talking about personal topics and remember that your coworkers are still, well, coworkers! Keep conversations light, express appreciation, and focus on celebrating successes together. A little professional consideration goes a long way in building positive workplace relationships. Cheers to respectful and joyful festive fun! 

Day 5: Showing Gratitude in Relationships

Expressing gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it can improve relationships, too. Take a moment to say thank you – and mean it - to someone who’s made your year brighter, whether it’s a friend, family member, or colleague. Simple words like “I appreciate you” can go a long way in strengthening connections. Try adding a note of gratitude to your emails or Christmas cards this season. 

Day 6: Saying ‘No’ Without feeling Guilt

Between Christmas parties, festive family gatherings, and work deadlines, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. If you’re overbooked, remember that it’s okay to say “no.” Set your boundaries by explaining your situation kindly. You might say, “I’d love to, but I need some time for myself.” Protecting your peace is essential for a joyful festive season.

Day 7: Handling Festive Finances

Money conversations can feel awkward, but they’re important to avoid misunderstandings. If finances are tight, suggest alternatives to costly gatherings or gifts, like a fun Secret Santa exchange with a spending limit. Honesty around your Christmas budgets can ease stress and make everyone feel comfortable. 

Day 8: Coping with Christmas travel

Christmas travel can bring extra stress with crowds, delays, and the hassle it brings. To stay calm, focus on what you can control—like giving yourself extra time, packing snacks, and keeping your phone charged. If things don’t go as planned, take deep breaths to reset your focus. Remember, patience can make the journey smoother. 

Day 9: Workplace Gift Exchanges

Workplace gift exchanges should be fun! To avoid awkward moments, consider setting price limits and suggesting light-hearted themes, like “Christmas nibbles” or “winter wellness items.” Encourage people to focus on thoughtful, simple gifts. A little planning can make it a memorable and joyful experience for everyone. 

Day 10: Handling Family Traditions with Sensitivity

Festive family traditions hold a lot of value, but sometimes, they need a little update. From who carves the turkey, peels the sprouts, pulling the Christmas crackers, or to the film on the TV, if a tradition feels like a burden or doesn’t fit this year, talk with your family about creating new ways to celebrate. Be inventive mix the old with the new. Try saying, “What if we try something different this year?” Flexible traditions allow everyone to enjoy the festive season in a way that feels right. 

Day 11: Dealing with Conflict During Christmas Gatherings

Pressure, traditions, family and friends gathering and a Christmas tipple or two can be a recipe for conflict. If a conversation heats up, don’t be afraid to pause. Take a deep breath, or politely excuse yourself for a moment. When you return, try shifting the conversation to a lighter topic or with humour and laughter and expressing understanding. Phrases like, “I can see we have different views, and that’s okay” can help keep the peace. 

Day 12: Wrapping Up the Year with Reflection

As the year winds down, take a few minutes to reflect on positive memories, lessons learned, and areas of personal growth. Set simple intentions for the new year that focus on fostering peace and harmony in your relationships. Let’s look forward to a brighter, more connected year ahead! 

Posted: 16th December 2024