Holiday togetherness can also mean family fights. But there are ways to try to sidestep the drama

By DEEPTI HAJELA
Associated Press

The holidays, a time where families and friends can get together to talk, to laugh — or get into screaming arguments. There are plenty of reasons togetherness can turn into tension — maybe that cousin you mostly love has that one opinion on politics or world events you just can’t stand, or that one nosy grandparent won’t stop asking about your life choices. Perhaps someone at the table is struggling with a substance abuse issue or a mental health concern. And don’t forget that person who is just mean and miserable and spoiling for a fight. But experts in psychology and mental health say it doesn’t have to be that way.