Family Business Performance Center | Family Business Online Coaching System

Helping family-owned businesses succeed with proven advice from a Master Certified Family Business Coach

  • About
    • Coaches
      • Coach Pete Walsh
    • Client Testimonials
    • Newsroom
  • Services
    • Sounding Board Session
    • Family Business Coaching
    • Workshops
    • Individual & Group Coaching
  • Tools
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Peak Workout Coaching Site
Home » Family Business Blog » Uncategorized » Simple 3-Part Recipe for Holiday Peace & Happiness

Nov 08 2018

Simple 3-Part Recipe for Holiday Peace & Happiness

Isn’t it ironic… the holidays should be a time of celebration and happiness, yet for so many families it’s a time where family tension becomes amplified.

Nothing can give you stomach acid quicker than thinking about spending a few hours with relatives you simply don’t like or worse, don’t trust.

Here’s a quick and simple 3-part recipe:

#1 Set a reasonable goal – to be polite and respectful for a few hours at the holiday gathering

I realize there are certain people in your extended family you may never become best friends or even friends with. If you can be cordial and polite for a few hours you may give the whole family the opportunity to enjoy a holiday gathering without tension.

Remember energy is contagious. When you can be generous with your energy and model good vibes, you teach others in the family how to do the same. If someone in the family wants to “brood” or “mope” at the gathering, you’re cool demeanor will just further demonstrate who is mature and evolved and who needs to get help.

#2 Learn to engage in “conflict free” topic conversations and be nimble

I just spent time last weekend with one of my family members who I know wants to pull me into a political debate that will erupt in hostility. I know how it will go with him so I’ve learned to ask about how his kids are doing, what he thinks about the local football team, etc. I am prepared to redirect to neutral topics. We had a nice conversation – no harm, no drama.

Sure, it’s tempting to “spar” with an adversary, but when the adversary is irrational, immature or unstable – sparring is a foolish and unproductive activity.

#3 Learn to give a genuine “well-wish”

One way to build some positive energy and good Karma is to learn to express sincere well-wishes to people. So even with people with whom I have past issues, or people who have done or said things that have caused harm, I can still genuinely wish them good luck.

Why? Why not? Especially in your family. Even if I don’t particularly like someone or agree with their values I say, “I hope you and your family have a (good year, nice holiday) etc. Remember offering forgiveness or well-wishes is a gift you are not giving them, you are giving yourself.

Harboring ill feelings, negative energy or wishing bad upon others is not going to help your family.

Practice these three steps and you will bring you and your family one step closer to having a harmonious and healthy holiday season.

Pete Walsh is a demanding, courageous and playful Master Coach in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the founder of Peak Workout Business Coaching and the Family Business Performance Center.  He can be reached at pete@peakcoach.com.

Written by Pete Walsh, MCC · Categorized: Uncategorized

Number of items in cart: 0

  • Your cart is empty.
  • Total: $0.00
  • Checkout

Learn New Family Business Strategies Every Two Weeks

Check Out Tools To Help Your Family Business

The Landmine Detection Map
Family Business Decathlon Game
Family Business Playbook

Popular Family Business Topics

  • All Articles
  • Family Business
  • Family Business Succession Planning
  • Family Business Relationships
  • Resolving Conflict
  • Accountability
  • Coach Pete's Best Plays
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Next Generation
  • Versus: Opposing Forces
  • What NOT to Do

CONTACT US

Family Business
Performance Center

Pete Walsh, MC

Phone: 602-952-9015
Email: pete@peakcoach.com

PAGES OF INTEREST

  • Score Your Team – So You Can Measure Your Team’s Progress!
  • Landmine Detection Map
  • Ask the Family Business Expert
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy

Our Newsletter

Learn New Family Business Strategies Every Two Weeks

CONNECT WITH US

© Copyright 2025 Family Business Performance Center · All Rights Reserved