The major holidays are often a source of stress for many. Large family gatherings, and particularly lately, the fear of political discussions and debate overtaking our celebrations, leave many feeling a bit anxious.
Years ago, a colleague and dear friend came up with the idea of "Family Bingo." Here how it's played. Either literally or mentally create a Bingo Card. Letters go across the top and numbers down the left hand margin. Write in each square a brief word or two which describes a behavior or a comment that you ancitipate with dread coming from one of the family members.
And then, when the dreaded comment or behavior occurs, you mark that square with an 'X.' It's weird, but you actually start smiling as the squares fill in. And when a row gets completed and you scream in your head "Bingo!", it's elation rather than frustration. It's a way of transforming frustration into playfulness. So, let the games begin!
