8 Proven Tips to Help You Avoid a Christmas Family Feud

We all have family conflict and the holidays seem to be a time to pull them out.

I am no exception. There was a time when I could hardly be in the same room with my sister. I was bitter and angry with her for choices she has made that go against my own beliefs.

Thankfully, in 20 years, though nothing has changed, a lot has changed.

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I still have the same beliefs. She still lives the same lifestyle with which I disagree. My sister may not see eye-to-eye on many things, but that doesn’t negate the love we have for each other.

Perhaps you have someone in your family with whom you cannot seem to get along. Maybe it is because of political views, lifestyle choices or personality clashes.

Whatever the reason, before you grab a turkey leg, warm up a mug of eggnog, or rip open presents, consider these proven ways to avoid a family feud this Christmas:

1. Don't dread reuniting with family. Change your thoughts about difficult relationships instead of your actions. What you think will determine how you react. The right present is not as important as the right presence.
2. Don't ignore those with whom you had issues. Instead, decide to find common ground. Good memories and better days from the past are always a great place to begin conversation.
3. Carry a warm, forgiving and approachable heart. Nothing diffuses prior struggles and frigid communications better than the gift of undeserved forgiveness.
4. Don't just be in attendance physically. Directing discussions toward blessings God has provided throughout the year neutralizes negativity. Seeking to avoid others with whom you have prior tensions puts you in a house environment but not a home environment.
5. Don't throw stones. Divisive words are like bars on a castle. Be certain that the only thing you call a fruitcake or nut job is the food.
6. Focus on reconciliation, not a resolution. This is not the time to prove a point and solve every past issue.
7. Be sympathetic instead of stern, compassionate instead of critical. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and if there is an ever a day when there should be a truce among family, it should be on December 25th. Instead of pumpkin pie, eat a piece of humble pie.
8. Don't forget the reason for the season. The reason Christ came to earth was to bring restoration and His call is for you to show love to your in-laws and out-laws.

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TheBlaze contributor channel supports an open discourse on a range of views. The opinions expressed in this channel are solely those of each individual author.

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TheBlaze contributor channel supports an open discourse on a range of views. The opinions expressed in this channel are solely those of each individual author.