Dealing with Drama at Holiday Parties

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CLEVELAND - Now that the holidays are here, so are all of the family festivities. 

But not everyone looks forward to reuniting with relatives. 

So, what can you do to make those encounters a little less stressful? 

“Family drama can be so stressful because when there's drama, sometimes it can be really dramatic,” said Dawn Potter, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “However, a lot of times people do try to be on good behavior at parties, and so if you try to bring an open, positive attitude with you, you can usually weather things.” 

Dr. Potter said if you go to a family get-together with the belief it’s not going to go well, you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Meaning, you unintentionally cause a problem that may not have otherwise happened had you kept a more optimistic attitude. 

Some other ways to help ease tension with relatives is to limit your interactions with them or avoid them altogether. 

It can also be helpful to have someone with you to act as a buffer. 

And of course, there’s always the chance that politics will come up in conversation – especially with the recent election. 

Dr. Potter said in that situation, it’s best to not engage. 

“Usually somebody's mind is not going to be changed at the dinner table. So, if you feel very strongly about something and someone else at your holiday party feels very strongly in the opposite direction, bringing it up in a group will never result in the kind of outcome you want,” she said. “Hearts and minds are changed slowly over time, typically, and with personal relationships. So, if you must discuss politics, I recommend in a one-on-one situation.”

Dr. Potter said if your stress or anxiety seems to be disrupting your day-to-day life, it’s worth talking to a mental health professional. 

They can help get to the root of the issue.