The holidays are a wonderfu opportunity to spend time with family. But sometimes the pleaure of being with our loved ones comes with a few tangled ties to stress. Here are a few strategies to make sure you experience maximun joy from being with family.

Get Rid of Fantasy. If your image of the perfect holiday has Tiny Tim's voice ringing "god bless us, every one!" your great expectations may be completely out of alignment with reality. Communication problems are not unusual with extended families. You cannot control every situation, but you can lead by example, setting aside differences and bad patterns.

Establish Ground rules and Boundaries. Amoung the immediarte family discuss what is expected. Agree to keep respect for each other and to not share anything with the extended family that would cause embarrassment. Develop your own family traditions and be willing to let go outdated rituals that no longer serve you and your immediate family.

Simplify, Prioritize, and Say No. Rmember the wisdom of a 1960's band who told us that you Can't Buy Me Love. Less can be more when it domes to gift giving. Let your heart express love in ways that may not require a lot of money and give yourself permission to spend less.

Provide Structure for Kids. You've heard before that love is spelled with the letters T-I-M.E. Yet during the holiday season kids can become starved for attention as you rush around trying to do everything. Break away from the extended family at lease once a day to take walks or some other physical activity. Giving this time to your kids, and lmitiing sugar and caffeine, can go a long way to them behaving when you are around extended family.

Honour Your Own Needs and Limitations. Trust that quiet inner voice that tells you when you have done enough. You deserve time to sit down and reflect on your many blessings, including your family.

If you are selling your home during the holidays you may also like reading Tips To Decorating Your Home For Sellers.