Christmas Advice - The In-laws

[EBevan]

I've got in-laws coming over for Christmas for a few days. I usually get on pretty well with them but more than two days in the same house can get a bit much. Has anybody got any tips on managing these relationships and avoiding the Christmas arguments?

[crstein Partner MHF]

Hi Ed,

I'm in a similar position this Christmas, so I share the pain!! I also get to add young children to the mix!

I find that sitting around watching TV is often a recipe for heightened stress and tension. Whether this is because we want to watch different things or because sitting around just doesn't feel that satisfying it almost always results in irritability.

Some things that have worked for me are suggesting everyone goes out for a walk (sometimes in different directions!!) because this always relieves the boredom of the living room, gets the endorphines flowing and sparks some conversation. Playing board games also helps. It gives some focus and builds communication.

[Hidden]

Yup, I worked shifts for my whole career. The shifts cover 24 hours a day and 365 days a year (I'm obviously not an over payed and under worked GP then...)

This means that I worked more Christmases than I had off. Never had any problems with in-laws.

My advice? Get a proper job.