Kody can’t wait to invite everyone to her house as usual for her annual Christmas family get together. She decides it would be best to send out the invites early enough. Despite the fact that it’s a family ritual, she still adds a courteous touch of sending out invites well on time, so everyone can plan adequately.
Why exactly is Kene trying to take over this year? It’s Kody’s gig, always has been. If Kene truly felt some impromptu desire to host, she should have called her Kody and asked her opinion AND permission. She clearly hasn’t gotten over the fact that Kody has made more progress with her career. She even invited Derin, an old family friend, to help her plan her own get-together. Kody couldn’t even imagine how awkward it would be to have Derin at their family event. Derin with her persistent crush on their older brother, even though he was married now.
Oh well. Kene has a big surprise waiting if she thinks she can steal the show this Christmas. Kody intends to send out her invites earlier. Kene will have no choice but to come to her house if she wants to see any member of the family on Christmas.
Exotic meals. Cheery music, fun movies, reduced traffic, all our favorite things. See five unusual Christmas gifts your kids will thank you for. What’s not to love about the festive season? Especially Christmas. People seem to be in high spirits, and it’s the best time to spend with loved ones.
But where love abounds, hate might be found lurking around. There’s a thin line between both emotions. And it is the choices we make (backed by small actions in each moment) that keep hate at bay and make love stay. There is always something about everyone we can find to dislike if we choose to. When you choose to attend or host a family gets together, especially during the holidays, there are things you must keep in mind.
When you invite the family to one place to relax and have fun, make it a rule not to discuss controversial issues.
People often find this difficult because they think they might as well grab the opportunity of having everyone in one place to discuss family matters. But it ruins the atmosphere and things seldom get settled. Eat together first, listen to good music, share jokes and remind yourselves first of everything you love about each other. That way, you are better disposed to have calm conversations. Better still, use the family gets together to pick another time/place to have the conversation.
Give others the chance to help out.
Even when you think you have things all figured out, always ask the opinion of others nicely and with good humor. Sometimes, this is the only time everyone has to show their love, it’s not fun if you monopolize everything. It might be your strong point to organize everything, but still, let them feel part of it.
Guests make the event worthwhile.
Even though it’s easier to have everyone in one place, sometimes it’s distasteful to invite controversial guests who could have been left out. Close as you might be, for instance, to your sibling’s ex, it would be insensitive to your sibling’s current partner to invite them. The good cheer is not enough to wipe away some memories. Keep the crowd fun and united, and controversy at bay.
You don’t have to do everything yourself.
A stressed-out host is not the best host. It’s best to keep your event at a moderate beat than to have a loud, noisy and tacky turnout. You don’t need to break your account to have a quality event.
Ultimately, enjoy the good food, music, relax and remember the reason for the season.
Merry Christmas.
For more of Kene/Kody’s stories, check out Goal Setting: 5 Tips For Young Couples.
