Make it Merry...

5 Ideas in 5 Minutes or less.

1.This Week’s Encouragement:

Happy Holidays! I hope this season brings you joy, rest, and cherished moments with those you love. For many of us, the holidays are a beautiful blend of laughter, light, and, let’s be honest, the occasional serving of tension at the dinner table.

For the first time in recorded history, my family is coming to Seattle for Christmas! I couldn’t be more excited and I’m mentally preparing—not for the cooking, but for the conversations.

For example, my loving mother has a tradition of her own: retelling the same story about a mistake I made in high school at every family function. This youthful misstep is now 31 years old, yet it’s somehow still the highlight of every holiday.

Does it annoy me? Absolutely. But instead of letting this colorful storytelling ruin my holiday, I made a bet with my sister on how long it’ll take Mom to bring it up. I’m choosing to laugh, smile, and win my sister’s money.

Here’s a friendly reminder: we get to choose how we show up. Merry, joyful, peaceful—they’re all choices within our control.

I don’t know what your family looks like, what traditions you follow, or whether the holidays bring joy or bittersweet memories. But I do know this: we all have the ability to decide how we want to feel and respond.

Here are three ways to make it merry:

Don’t board the drama train. You’re not obligated to engage in every heated conversation, take on someone else’s emotional baggage, or their view of you.

Redirect with grace. Change the subject or say, “This isn’t great dinner talk—let’s shift gears.” You’d be surprised how quickly the room follows your lead, especially if you have a topic to suggest.

Choose joy over being right. Debates rarely win hearts, and trying to change someone’s opinion over the cranberry sauce is exhausting. Hold space for them without judgment. Sometimes the best response is none at all. Allow feelings (yours and theirs) to simply exist without needing to fix or fight.

This season, let’s step off the emotional merry-go-round when it starts to spin too fast. Opt for peace over pressure and connection over conflict.

Wishing you a holiday that’s truly merry and bright—on your terms.

2. Easy Action: Pre-Holiday Dinner Breathing Exercise

Before you head into the holiday dinner, try this quick breathing exercise to reset and center yourself.

1. Sharp inhale through the nose, then slow, controlled exhale through the mouth. Say out loud, “I choose peace.”
2. Sharp inhale through the nose, then slow, controlled exhale through the mouth. Say out loud, “I choose joy.”
3. Sharp inhale through the nose, then slow, controlled exhale through the mouth. Say out loud, “I choose me.”

Take a moment to feel the calm and clarity you've created. You’re ready to step into the holiday with peace, joy, and your best self.

3. Reading Recommendation: "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships" by Leil Lowndes

This book is a must-have for anyone looking to improve their social skills, especially in family settings. With 92 practical tips, it offers easy-to-apply techniques for connecting with others, keeping conversations engaging, and navigating tricky topics. Whether you're steering clear of awkward silences or defusing tension, this resource provides the tools you need to show up confidently and smoothly at every holiday gathering.

4. Quote:

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." — Buddy the Elf (from Elf)

5. Ask Keita:

Q: Dear Keita,

The holidays have always been a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I love spending time with family, but on the other hand, the constant tension at dinner tables really gets to me. My relatives seem to turn every conversation into a debate, and it’s draining. How can I keep the peace without feeling like I'm walking on eggshells the entire time?

Sincerely, Tired of the Table Talk

A: Dear Tired of the Table Talk,

Thank you for sharing and I totally get it—the holidays can feel like a balancing act between family time and tension-filled conversations. The good news is you have control over how you show up.

1. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say, "Let’s agree to disagree," and then steer the conversation in a different direction. This keeps things peaceful without confrontation.
2. Use Humor: Lighten the mood with a quick, "Well, that’s one way to look at it," and pivot to a new topic. Humor can be a great tension diffuser.
3. Know When to Step Away: If things get too heated, excuse yourself for a breather. A quick walk or ducking in a quiet room for a brief breathing exercise (see above) can help you reset.

The holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones—focus on peace, not debates. Choose joy over being right, and make the most of the moments that matter.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Take 5 Tuesday! I truly appreciate you being part of the Success Bully community.

If today’s thoughts resonated with you, why not share them with someone who could use a little holiday peace and positivity? And, of course, feel free to comment, like, or drop me a line—I love hearing from you and joining in the conversation!

Did you know there are two ways to work with me? I help individual leaders and visionaries tackle their Inside Bully (yes, that inner voice), and I also work with teams to build stronger communication—both internally (with themselves) and externally (with others).

This holiday season, remember: You have the power to choose joy, peace, and connection in every moment. If you’re ready to step off the emotional merry-go-round and embrace a more joyful, intentional mindset, book a call today to see if we’re a match.

Here’s to choosing merriment on your terms.

Keita – Your Favorite Success Bully