Tips for a Happier Christmas

• Lower your expectations.
• Create family traditions, such as a post-lunch walk, cricket match or trivia quiz, which can release tension and provide fun distractions.
• If the family can't be together without fighting, skip the gathering altogether.
• Have a casual family get-together, such as a barbecue at the beach, a week or two before Christmas, so expectations aren't so high.
• Avoid known triggers, so if politics is a touchy subject in your family, for example, don't bring it up - or change the topic if someone does.
• Make sure everybody brings something, so the family gets to work as a team and one person doesn't have to carry the burden of playing host.
• Loved ones who have died should be acknowledged, perhaps with a toast or by sharing funny stories about them.
• In separated families, encourage the children to have contact with both parents, even if it's by phone or email, and make sure they feel free to contact relatives on both sides of the family.
• Avoid difficult situations that you feel you won't be able to cope with - don't set yourself up to fail.
• If you're alone, go to the movies or round up other "orphans" for a picnic in the park - work out what you need to do for yourself to make it an okay day.

From the Australian Women's Weekly, December 2015 edition.

If you feel lonely or in need of help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Salvation Army on 13 72 58, or beyondblue on 1300 224 636.