Image by Ilo from Pixabay

Wherever there are people, there’s bound to be drama. And it seems like the holidays are a breeding ground for drama because we spend more time with friends and loved ones than usual. 

Family drama is always a potential threat to your marriage, especially during the holidays.

Strong personalities, curious minds, inappropriate or unexpected questions, politics, and even addictions and other issues can all disrupt peaceful gatherings, making it hard for everyone to have a good time. 

So, it’s essential to do whatever you can to create a drama-free holiday experience so everyone can experience the true meaning and blessing of the season while also protecting your marriage. 

Here are some suggestions to help you minimize drama this holiday season.  

Suggestion 1: Offer Healthy Options.

In this day and age, so many families struggle or deal with various addictions. I realize that what I’m about to recommend won’t be an issue for many of our readers whom I’ve met at our Mad About Marriage seminars. 

But I strongly suggest creating a drug and alcohol-free event and environment. 

I’m not sure why the holidays seem to be an invitation to consume alcohol, but I don’t believe it’s a good idea to drink or offer mind-altering, mood-altering substances. 

You might feel obliged to serve alcoholic beverages if you host people for the holidays. But when you remove these unhealthy temptations by offering healthy options, you set a good example that supports your intention of creating a drama-free holiday experience. Will it prevent all drama? No. But it helps immensely. 

If someone you love struggles with addiction, make things easier for them by hosting a clean and sober event. 

Suggestion 2: Consider Your Guest List.

Some people will never mesh – it’s like fitting square pegs into round holes; it just never works. 

Be honest with yourself about the family members and friends in your life. Who gets along with each other, and who doesn’t?

Although uncomfortable, it might be best for everyone if certain people weren’t in the same room together. Consider the kind of event you are planning or attending; is it appropriate for everyone? Will it help everyone keep the peace or create potential conflict? 

Consider your guest list. And then consider what holiday activities you want to have, when and where you want to have them, and who is invited.

If you want as many people as possible on your list to attend, then be flexible in your plans and host the kind of event that brings out the best in everyone. 

Suggestion 3: Be Honest and Brave but also Gracious.

One reason why drama gets out of control is because people avoid the issues. Why do people seem so unwilling to address situations? It’s because they want to avoid uncomfortable conflict or hope people will get it by figuring things out on their own. How often have you heard someone say, “They just don’t get it”? 

Hoping people figure it out on their own or avoiding conflict doesn’t work usually. 

Addressing issues honestly about how a person’s behavior affects others can help them change how they act or allow them to excuse themselves from the event graciously if they prefer. 

Confronting people and addressing their negative behavior isn’t easy. Still, it can make the holidays better and less drama-free for everyone and protect your family and marriage from unnecessary heartache and conflict.  

We all want a warm, loving, and joyful holiday season with our friends and family that overflows with special memories, fun, and laughter, but the inconvenient truth is that sometimes people don’t make it easy. 

Instead of sticking your head in the sand in a blind attempt to make people happy or keep the peace at all costs, even at your own detriment, try one of these suggestions to create a drama-free holiday that supports everyone…even the extra grace required people in your social circle.