Let the togetherness begin...

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

I’m hoping that most of you have sorted presents, dispatched cards (if you’re a card person), and attended all the school plays.

Now the sofa and some serious midwinter relaxation are beckoning.

So, I’m NOT going to invite you to contemplate the state of your relationship this week.

Instead, I’m wondering whether you might give me a steer - what would you like to hear more of next year?

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BUT if you’re still feeling like an island in a sea of holiday-themed chaos, or you’re overcome with anxiety about the many relational challenges Christmas brings, here are a few helpful things to read or listen to:

• A Game Plan for the Holidays by

  The Anxious Overachiever
  - author and therapist Kathleen Smith is wonderful when it comes to coping with anxiety.

• The Christmas Rituals We Love by Emma Cooling in Psychologies - if the holidays are driving you crazy, take what you like and leave the rest. Ritual can be soothing and powerful if approached with loving intention.

• Good Boundaries: the Foundation of Happy Relationships - my podcast chat with therapists Graham Johnston and Matt Wotton about creating good boundaries in love and parenting (and what it means if we are struggling to get this right). One of our all-time most popular episodes - well worth a listen!

• The Eight Worst Christmas Arguments - in this recent article I tried to give you a quick-fix “band-aid” solution to Christmas issues; but also long-term ideas to bring the two of you closer.

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Thank you all for your support in 2022; I rely on your feedback and encouragement, and I’ve never been disappointed.

I’m lucky enough to be enjoying a wonderful trip to Mexico: very strange to be swimming in a waterfall in mid-December! I’m soaking up the warmth and finding inspiration for another year of writing and podcasting.

I hope you are also finding peace and relaxation,

With love,

Andrew