Stress-Free Family Events

Dr. Phil has advice for happier family events — especially during the holidays.

Define in advance what you're looking for. A spiritual experience? Togetherness? Only when you know what you're looking for can you create a strategy to get it.

Give yourself permission to say no. You need to do what works for you, not necessarily what you think is right.

Just because something is a tradition that you've been doing for years, doesn't mean it's good or should be continued. You may need to break old, toxic traditions and start new, joyful ones.

Many family and holiday events revolve around food. Respect the challenges of someone who may be dieting or may have other restrictions, and do not force food on him/her.