The holiday season is a time to be with family and friends. The holidays are also a time of a year that makes many people feel vulnerable, due to the stress and pressure they can create. It’s important to remember that there are ways to make this holiday season more enjoyable for you and your loved ones. Here I’ll talk about 11 ways that will help you bond with your family this holiday season!

Spending quality time together throughout the holidays is a fantastic method to strengthen familial ties and create long-term memories. Families with great relationships value their connections and frequently participate in activities to strengthen them. But not every family is like that. Some families are disjointed and fragmented, with family members going their own ways, physically or emotionally, during the holiday season, leading to a lack of closeness in the relationship. These tips will help you improve your relationships with your family:

Participate in activities you all enjoy: If everyone in your family enjoys cooking, prepare and have a delicious meal together. Watching movies is another activity the whole family can do together. You may not necessarily love spending time with each other during these events, but it will bring you closer because of shared experiences!

Don’t do everything together: Doing things together is good for bonding but only when it’s something that everyone wants to do. You don’t have to spend every single minute of the holiday season together doing things you all enjoy, especially if it’s something that only one person wants to do and everyone else doesn’t care for or won’t be able to participate in due to other obligations. It will not lead your family closer!

Don’t compare yourself to others: People who are close to you don’t compare themselves to you, so why should it be any different when it comes to your family? It’s not a competition and there is no need for anyone in the family to feel like they have failed.

Listen: Everyone wants people in their lives that listen. Listening isn’t just about hearing words, it’s about making someone feel understood and validated. Next time your family members speak to you, listen with empathy and let them know that they matter!

Don’t criticize: If you want to build relationships, always stay away from criticizing others because it will likely push them further away from you. Instead of pointing out what someone is doing wrong, try complimenting something they do right!

Understand differences: Just because we’re all part of the same family doesn’t mean we have lots in common or even like each other very much at times! The important thing is not what you have in common, it’s how you support each other despite the differences. Remember that no one is perfect!

Honor traditions: Traditions are a great way to bond with people who care about you and make your family feel closer. It doesn’t matter if they’re new or old, as long as everyone has fun doing them!

Write notes of appreciation: It doesn’t have to be anything big, just a small note of appreciation for all the things your family member does will make them feel loved.

Make a list of things for which you are grateful – together: This is an excellent way to feel happier and more connected to your family! Studies have shown that people who make a conscious effort to be grateful are happier and healthier.

Don’t shy away from physical affection: Physical affection is a great way to express love for someone, but it also makes people feel closer. You don’t have to kiss or hug everyone you’re related to! Just try giving out simple touches on the arm during conversations if that feels comfortable for you.

Serve your family: Being of service can be extremely rewarding and strengthen relationships with those who matter most to you. Additionally, serving others as a family will bring the whole family together. Volunteering at a soup kitchen or other form of service is not only good for the community but it will also help your family bond because everyone can participate!

If you plan ahead of time, these suggestions will come in handy. You’ll be able to better understand your family and connect with them this way.

While there are many festive ways to show love during holidays, we shouldn’t forget about the importance of showing love year-round. The holidays are just another reminder that we should show our family and friends the love they deserve all year long!

I hope this article gave you some ideas on how to get closer with your loved ones during this holiday season, but more importantly throughout the whole year!

Wishing You and Your loved ones Love, Peace, Good Health and Happiness This Holiday Season!  Happy Holidays!