Labeling OR How to be real at Christmas with your closest ones

Jakob Hysek
Dec 15, 2025
2 min read

Drawing of a label stating "label" on it.

Christmas is around the corner—

Most probably you have friends, family, parties and lots of food in stall. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, especially family gatherings can carry an underlying tension. Maybe there is a family member with a loaded topic they can’t wait to drop in the middle of the of your favorite holiday dish.

Maybe there is some history that keeps coming up, year after year.

Whether it’s parenting or the “friendly” debate over how long the food should’ve cooked, these situations can test your communication skills more than any business negotiation ever will.

Logic alone rarely diffuses these challenging moments.

Enter labeling

Regardless of the topic, you can use labeling this year to try something new! You can use this technique to create the conditions for more understanding, even in disagreement.

Empathy is essential. But even if it is hard to really go where a person is emotionally, you can try spotting their emotion and use language that acknowledges the other person’s emotional position:

This is called labeling:

“It sounds like this is really important to you.”
“It seems like there’s more behind what you’re saying.”
“It feels like this has been weighing on you for a while.”
"It seems like you don't like ..."

These simple, observational phrases help your counterpart share more, become less defensive and open up to a more thoughtful conversation.

You don’t have to agree.

But you can show your interest in understanding their perspective. Additionally, this can de-escalate immensely and, of course, promote a deeper connection.

What better time than Christmas to achieve a deeper connection with your closest ones? Labeling can help you do achieve exactly that!

If you find yourself in the beginning of an emotional tumult, remember:

No judgment or counterattack.

Recognize their position, show empathy and see what happens!

Did you know the concept of labeling? Have you ever tried it?

Do you have a complicated situation where you are unsure how to start tackling it? Then feel free to reach out and together we will find a way:

Let's find a way!

Not sure yet? Let's get to know each other!

Introduction

We will address your questions in a 15-minute conversation and determine whether and how we can work together.

I look forward to hearing from you!