You – yes, you – my clients across time, you lead organizations, you are at the top of your game, you speak around the world and you do well. And, then, you enter the holiday season and you’re talking to your family that you have a lot less control over!

Here are some random and real tools to maximize the good times and minimize possible landmines with your extended family. (I could list these stresses from political views to parenting styles but I’ve spoiled you over the years with short articles …!)

😂  Find the humor.

🤗  Ask questions.

👂🏼  Listen actively. Always a winner! In business and in your personal life, listen more than you talk. (I’ll try to adhere to this 🙄).

🙂  Empower others. Even when you want to kill that cousin for commenting once again on your marital status, can you find something nice to say? You like her watch. You think he did a good job on the pecan pie. You love their kid. Find something to compliment! This works. It’s only manipulative if you’re lying. So don’t lie. But still find something to praise about the other.

👋🏼  Do the common courtesies. Thank the host/hostess and everyone involved with any feast you might attend.

🙏🏼  Keep a mental (or even written) gratitude list, especially when you become sad, irritated or hangry.

😶  Don’t engage. That’s right. DON’T engage. IF there are issues, and you cannot solve them, then don’t get involved.

❣️  Remember your own strengths. Give yourself a break. That positive self-awareness is the perfect antidote for snarky crazy stuff.

✈️  BONUS TIP: 10 surprising items banned by TSA ➜

You travel a lot. Below are 10 items that are currently not allowed in your carry-on luggage, according to USA Today:

• Bowling balls
• Cast iron cookware
• Drills and drill bits
• Foam toy swords
• Snow globes
• Screwdrivers longer than seven inches
• Gel-type candles
• Pepper spray
• Magic 8 ball
• Gel heating pads

Happy Holidays. I’m thankful for you. And leave your Magic 8 Ball at home.