The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is often tense. Especially at the holidays you need good nerves. These are our 6 survival tips for Christmas with the in-laws.
Throughout the year, it can often be stressful enough to meet everyone's needs. Everyone has their own way of dealing with affairs, celebrations and everyday life. Well-intentioned advice and suggestions for improvement from in-laws can be particularly "helpful".
To this usually already slightly tense situation, you now add a few twinkling lights, cheesy carols, a Christmas roast and a whole lot of wine - yes, guessed right: It's Christmas time.
Every family is different. And that's a good thing. But these differences really come to the fore around the holidays. And even if you don't normally have problems with your boyfriend's parents, around Christmas stress can have the opposite effect.
To help you stay cool with your in-laws during Christmas, we've gotten smart. We have a few tips and tricks to help you deal with your in-laws. So you can focus on what's really important. Like eating cookies. :)
This is our 6-part survival guide for Christmas with the in-laws:
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Plan, plan and plan
Can you do it justice for everyone, every year? No, very probably not. But you can compromise and plan everything carefully. If you both have large families, or live far from home, you need to consider celebrating with a family later. This is often very convenient. Because the biggest excitement is already over. Everyone is halfway "normal" again :)
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Find the right gift
You think it's complicated to find the right gift for your parents? Finding the right gift for your in-laws makes it even more difficult. If you give something too small, you might seem stingy. If it's too big, you might seem desperate.
Not so easy, is it? The secret is to pay attention to her hobbies and interests. For example, if your mother-in-law has a green thumb, she might enjoy a small olive tree. -
Know all the facts
To avoid this more than uncomfortable moment of silence and avoid arguments, you need to get smart. Ask your friend what you definitely can't/shouldn't talk about. For many, politics is something where the Christmas peace is immediately over. So: Leave politics as a topic of conversation to be on the safe side.
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Do not conjure up unnecessary quarrels
The mother-in-law. The one woman who is feared by most. Okay, that may be a stereotype and prejudice. But for the sake of the entire family's Christmas peace, you still shouldn't mess with her. Don't get into mind games and just ignore snide remarks.
Stay chilled, stay cool and stay focused. Take a deep breath and smile. -
Ask for help
Most people like it when they are assigned and can contribute something. At least when they are invited. If a problem arises, just ask for help. Forgot the tomatoes for the salad? Just ask your in-laws if they can bring some. And hey, if they say no, at least you asked and tried. :) The point goes to you in any case.
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Celebrates separately
You guys see enough of each other. Why don't you just try to avoid Christmas with the in-laws? Just spend the holiday with your parents. Problem solved :)
Our conclusion:
Christmas with the in-laws can be very stressful. But it doesn't have to be. Try to be relaxed about the situation and be happy that everything will be over soon :)
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