Surviving the Holidays with Family

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones to gather and celebrate. However, for some people, the holidays can be a stressful time. If you're someone who feels overwhelmed or stressed during the holiday season, it's important to set boundaries -- with your loved ones and maybe even with yourself. Here are some tips on how to do that.

Tip 1: Communicate Your Needs Early On
If you know that you're going to need some time to yourself during the holidays (check out our presentation on this here), communicate that to your loved ones as early as possible. That way, they can plan accordingly and won't be offended if you need some time to yourself.

Tip 2: Set Firm Boundaries and Stick to Them
It's important to set firm boundaries with your loved ones and stick to them. If you need some time alone, don't hesitate to tell people no. It's okay to say no to holiday parties or gatherings if you're not up for it. Your mental health is more important than attending an event that you don't want to go to.


Here is a helpful visual of some boundaries you can use with friends and family by Nedra Tawwab. If you are unfamiliar with Nedra's work, check it out! She is an incredible talented clinician with an instagram page full of wisdom!

Tip 3: Give Yourself a Break
The holidays can be a lot of work, both mentally and emotionally. Make sure to give yourself a break when you need it. Whether that means taking a few hours to yourself or taking a day off from work, make sure you're taking care of yourself first and foremost. 


The holiday season is a wonderful time of year but it can also be very stressful. If you're someone who feels overwhelmed during this time of year, it's important to set boundaries with your loved ones. By communicating your needs early on, setting firm boundaries, and giving yourself a break when you need it, you can make the holiday season a more enjoyable and stress-free time for everyone involved.

For more information, check out Part 3 of our 4 part series on Setting Boundaries with Friends and Family during the holidays. 

---