During the holidays our desire to connect with our friends and family may be even greater than other times in the year. A helpful tip to improve your chances for a meaningful interaction is to recall what you appreciate about each person with whom you will be visiting. Starting about a week before, recall or acknowledge at least three things you like and appreciate about each person you will be seeing. Remind yourself of their many qualities they possess that you like and admire. Repeat daily until the day you see each person. When your interaction is over recall all of the ways in which you appreciated the time you spent with them. You might even reach out through a text or note expressing your appreciation. This effort will not only help to increase your happiness it usually helps others feel more connected to you, too. Let us know how it goes for you.