The holidays are here, and you might find yourself interacting with people with different points of view and communication styles. Whether you plan on spending the holidays with a few close friends, a group of strangers or your family, practicing effective communication skills can help you thrive when celebrating.

• Be a good listener. One of the best ways to connect with others is to listen well. Whether you’re meeting new people or trying to mitigate conflict, actively absorbing what others say can help you understand one another better, especially when it comes to mixing different holiday traditions.

• Understand different communication styles. Tone and body language can change how others perceive your words and how you perceive theirs. This doesn’t mean you need to change how you speak or act, but simply being aware of how others might feel can help you practice empathetic communication.

• Prepare for disagreements. Sometimes conflict is inevitable, so plan for how you want to handle the situation. When it comes to difficult topics, you can choose to not engage or ask to change the subject.

• It is okay to say ‘no.’ Maybe you know that inviting certain people over will make the holidays stressful rather than fun. Or, maybe you would prefer not having the kids on their electronics during a celebration. Set boundaries and discuss your expectations openly with others.

• Take breaks. In the middle of celebrations, remember to take a step back from the action even for a few minutes. Give yourself time to recharge and take deep breaths before returning to conversations. Know your limits, when to speak and when to stay silent.

Heightened emotions and frequent social interaction during the holidays can increase stress and the risk of social burnout. Know the signs of stress such as headaches, muscle tension and fatigue. Visit the Holiday Toolkit for more self-care tips and tools.