How to navigate not-so-happy families at Christmas

For a lot of people, Christmas is far from the glossy snapshot that is often portrayed. Picture: iStock.

“Have a holly, jolly Christmas. It’s the best time of the year,” croons Michael Bublé. But is it? 

For some, yes of course it is, but Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for people who have challenging family dynamics. And with Christmas so wrapped up in the idea of family, some will watch its approach with dread.