Jenny Tucker

Holiday tensions are explored through seven challenging family personality types commonly encountered at Christmas, with psychotherapists and counsellors offering strategies to manage outdated opinions, intrusive questions, lack of help, phone-obsessed teenagers, overlooked gift gestures, excessive drinking and ungrateful behaviour. Emphasis is placed on emotional awareness, empathy, realistic expectations and planning calm conversations at appropriate times to maintain harmony and reduce stress.

Drying clothes indoors can create moisture that leads to damp and mould, but proper ventilation, careful laundry habits and the right equipment help reduce risks. Opening windows, choosing suitable rooms and using heated dryers alongside dehumidifiers improve airflow and efficiency. Additional strategies include spinning clothes longer, spacing items for airflow, maintaining appliances, occasionally using launderettes for bulky loads and taking advantage of suitable outdoor drying conditions.