Christmas is not always a joyful occasion for everyone.
With this in mind, Interrelate has released a free Guide to Surviving Christmas to help people remain more contented over the holiday season.
An Interrelate spokeswoman said: "Christmas can be a difficult time of the year where emotions are heightened, but it doesn't have to be that way.
"The guide is a collection of our best tips to help people make it through Christmas as stress-free as possible."
The free guide features tips on:
■Dealing with grief and loss;
■Separated or blended families;
■Managing family expectations;
■Managing children's expectations;
■Managing family conflict; and
■Looking after yourself.
The guide said "holidays can trigger a range of emotions: sadness, stress and excitement".
"Taking care of yourself during the busy season can help make sure these emotions don't become overwhelming," it said.
If you don't have anyone to spend Christmas with, Interrelate suggests planning something special to treat yourself; volunteering to serve Christmas Day lunch or help a charity; attending community celebrations such as carols by candlelight; or making a list of things you can be thankful for.
Julie Dale, Interrelate's greater Sydney area manager, which takes in Sutherland Shire, said the fact that family and friends did not always get along made this time of year particularly stressful.
"All families experience tension to some degree. Part of the reason why the holidays can be so stressful is the expectation of a harmonious family gathering," she said.
She has these tips for managing family conflict at Christmas:
■Always be gracious in receiving a gift (even if it's not what you had hoped for, or like).
■Be aware that Christmas is a busy time and everyone is under pressure, so arguments can easily erupt. Try to keep emotions in check.
■Avoid topics that you know will end up in arguments and use distractions or quickly move on to another topic.
■Be careful not to indulge in alcohol or drugs, as mixing these things with difficult relationships will guarantee conflict.
■Don't take other people's issues on board or return to past conflicts.
Download the guide at interrelate.org.au