Prepare to face family drama this festive season

As Newcastillians start planning time off from work and school, it is time for families to start visiting and catching up on lost time.

Family visits can be a daunting experience, as there is bound to be some form of drama.

With overcrowded stores, insane traffic and preparing meals for guests, the thought of entertaining family can be overwhelming.

To minimise the drama this festive season, be sure to follow these four quick and easy steps:

1. Stop the complainer:

In all families, there is always one person that continuously complains. Instead of trying to show them the better side of things, as this can be tiring, simply hear them out and change the subject to something more light-hearted.

2. Beat the questioner:

Have you ever noticed there is one person in your gene pool who bombards you with a trillion questions?

The most popular being: Why aren’t you married? When are you going to have children or when are you going to start losing weight?

With the next family gathering, before the person can even begin to interrogate you, bring up the touchy topic yourself and do so enthusiastically. The topic will then no longer be of interest to the nosy family member.

3. Say no to the dictator:

At every family gathering, there is always one person ‘suggesting’ what needs to be done. Before the person arrives, decide what you need help with and let them know gracefully what they can and cannot do. Don’t back down.

4. The short fuse:

Tempers are bound to be strained. When you notice someone’s fuse coming close to ignition, make a joke and change the subject to avoid arguments.