The holidays are approaching, which means family fights and quarrels are inevitable. For some of us, our family members are much harder to get along with than others. The thing to remember here is that: you only have one family, so regardless of your opinion of family members, try to find it in your heart to love and appreciate them.

We know this is no easy task, so here are a few recommendations for maintaining working relationships with your family members:

1. No Yelling:

Even if your aunt starts to raise her voice with you at the thanksgiving dinner table, don’t give into the instigation. Instead, remain calm, cool, and collected. Your energy will force everyone around you to calm down and sit back as well. Be the example for everyone else to follow.

2. Mindfulness:

Practicing meditation around your family members is a great holiday activity. If you feel tensions and anger starting to spike, focus on your breathing instead. Through mental discipline, you can actually remove yourself from the discourse, and remain calm, despite what may be unfolding around you. Don’t contribute to the fighting.

3. Affection:

Find it in your heart to identify one thing you love about each of your family members. Really try and see this trait each time one of them is after you about something. We’re not perfect, so think about the good instead of the bad.

4. Awareness:

Everyone goes through hardships. If your aunt and uncle recently suffered a job setback, or your cousin’s girlfriend passed away, be cognizant of their suffering during the holidays. Cut them some slack, like you would want if it were you in their place.

Don’t be afraid of your family members this holiday season – embrace them instead.