Tips to Communicate with Family During the Holidays: How to avoid the Drama

 Drama

Listen to the Podcast The warrior life as Michelle Rose interviews me on her show about how you can help prevent family drama during holiday season gatherings!

 

Have you ever seen the movie Four Christmases? (Starting Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) 

Since my parents aren’t married and we split the holiday celebrations, I feel like I can loosely relate to this story. I always get a great holiday laugh when I watch this film.  My husband however,  just doesn’t get the humor in the film.  His parents are still happily married and very traditional when it comes to holiday gatherings, sans the drama.  


Okay, so the truth is most of us don’t have to deal with such extreme family holiday gatherings, but sometimes there are touchy subjects that arise. We may be sensitive to the comments and opinions of others (especially when family say them). 

Are you dating?

Are you married yet?

What’s going on with your hair?

You still don’t have a job?

Aren’t you pregnant yet? Don’t you like children?

Have you gained weight?

Have you lost weight?

My incredibly talented friend and Podcaster on fire Michelle Rose, CEO of Michelle Rose Fit, asked me to share some of my communication tips with her listeners to help diffuse these situations and focus on enjoying the holiday season with those we love.

Here is the broadcast on The Warrior Life in iTunes!
Click Here –> Communication Tips to Avoid Drama with Family during the Holidays

11

Communication Tip Breakdown: 

Prepare
Drop expectations
Reminder: it’s not about you
Cultivate a positive attitude

 

Use Clear and Direct Communication Style
Be an Active Listener
Pay Attention to Non-Verbal Body Language
Instigate Laughter
Wait Before You Speak
Have a Safety Word — Mistletoe!

 

Have a happy, drama free holiday season!

 

About Ellie Parvin

Ellie is a Communication Consultant, Professor, Speaker, Writer, Mentor, Coach, Course Creator, Author and has a passion for motivating and inspiring others by sharing her insight, expertise and lessons learned. She loves to teach and is a Communication Professor, as well as a Fitness instructor. She teaches Business Communication, Media & Culture, Public Speaking and Academic Writing. Ellie is obsessed with the way people communicate and how various personal and environmental factors can alter the perception of information/message/meaning delivered and received between those in communication. She received her B.A. in Journalism from San Francisco State University and M.A. in Communications & Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. Published Thesis: Critical Theory and Gender Communication Studies in Small Organizations.

Leave a Reply