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The holidays bring people together. Parties, various celebrations, innumerable gatherings of various kinds all present us with opportunities to warmly engage people we rarely see throughout much of the year. Indeed, it is a natural time of joining and rejoining.
Yet, in all of the merriment and festivities, old issues are given renewed space and fresh opportunity to emerge. While we gather with others to corporately celebrate all of the wonder and meaning of the season, relational dynamics are given expanded and frequently unrestrained room to romp. Suddenly we are facing relational issues that we were able to skirt or at least temper throughout much of the year.
Such times leave us wishing that we could immerse ourselves in the celebration of the season, while strategizing how we’re going to avoid certain conversations or likely altercations that are awaiting us at the next holiday dinner. We’re wondering if that certain family member’s going to lose their composure after a few stiff drinks and say something damaging, of if a certain person’s going to bring up the same redundant issue they bring up every year, or if the age-old tension between several business associates is going to flare up when they cross paths at the company party. Our enjoyment of the season is subsequently diminished or altogether destroyed by the relational issues that are given room to flourish during this time of year.
Surviving the Holidays
Family and Friends