Silly Season Survival Guide: 5 skills to conquer the holiday season
Silly season is upon us. Where joy, merriment, Christmas parties and the occasional awkward family gathering collide. It's the most wonderful time of the year, right?
If you're not altogether ‘merry and bright’ about the weeks ahead, fear not. With a sprinkle of self-awareness and a savvy deployment of strengths, it’s truly possible to navigate the holiday season with style. Because nobody wants to live a "Nightmare Before Christmas" reality!
Here’s our top 5 tips for surviving the silly season:
1. Use your strengths
Strengths are like superpowers for tackling challenging or uncomfortable situations. So, if there's one time you need to use them, it's now! List your strengths and think about how to leverage them throughout the silly season in order to survive, and even thrive. For example, plans may change unexpectedly during the holidays, but if you have adaptability as a strength, you can go with the flow and adjust to changes gracefully.
2. Be curious and listen
Whether it's an office party or a big family dinner, you’ll need to engage in small talk at some point over the festive season. While few of us love the idea of small talk, it doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, if you need help finding your conversational mojo, it’s probably time to fire up your interpersonal skills.
Focus on asking open questions and listening. Yes/no is a dead end, but with open questions, you can let others do the talking – and people love talking about themselves. Let your natural curiosity drive the conversion; you'll be amazed at how easily it flows.
3. Don't pressure yourself
For the less extroverted, socialising constantly during the holidays can be stressful and exhausting. But remember, there's no pressure to be the life and soul of every party and gathering. You can find your groove by observing, listening and engaging rather than forcing yourself to talk to everyone in the room. You don't need to say yes to every event either – being considered about your social commitments doesn't make you a Grinch!
4. Regulate your emotions
Emotional regulation (a.k.a emotional intelligence) is a superpower that can save the day during tense moments. If you're edging towards the brink of frustration or irritation – it happens to the best of us at Christmas – take a moment to gather yourself. Practise deep breathing and mindfulness, or excuse yourself for a short walk.
By regulating your emotions, you'll maintain composure, relax and enjoy the celebrations.
5. Navigate difficult conversations with empathy
A lot is happening in the world currently, and the reality is you won't agree with everyone about everything. So, if you find yourself tackling tough topics when you should be deciding between pudding or pavlova, tap into your strength of empathy. Approach the conversation with understanding and compassion, and actively listen to the other person's perspective. Remember, a difficult conversation can be an opportunity for growth and learning.
Finally…be kind
You never know the struggles of those around you at this time of year, so take a moment to be kind and patient. Be kind to yourself too and remember, it's a "holiday" for a reason!
Ready to develop your human skills for 2023 and beyond? Simply download the Hodie app to get started today, or explore our broader menu of Maxme Products & Programs for organisations and individuals alike.
Prefer to talk through your options? Simply contact us at any time.
More human goodness you might like:
