How To Handle Family & The Holidays

Ever wonder if you’re the only one who gets a little anxious about going home to see family during the holidays? It’s not just you! During the holiday season, we can experience reminders of those we have lost, unpleasant memories with those we are spending time with, and be exposed to difficult relatives or behaviors that cross boundaries. This time of year can end up being more stressful than enjoyable. On top of your usual responsibilities, you might be juggling travel plans, financial pressure from gift-giving, changes in routine, and the emotional weight of family expectations.

As anxiety and anticipation can increase with the upcoming holiday events, you may ask yourself, “How do I make it through the holiday season?” You’re not alone in wondering this, and there are ways to move through this time with more intention, support, and self-compassion.

coping through the holidays

Here are some things to consider, along with a few solutions to cope with triggers and problematic relationship patterns this holiday season.

spending time with family this holiday season?

Sometimes, behaviors and patterns are so toxic there isn’t an easy way to protect yourself unless you avoid exposure to them. In some situations, it is important to give yourself permission to step back and focus on yourself and your well-being. This might look like not attending a family get together or limiting the time you spend with family.

how to manage emotions when triggered

Consider how you normally react to behaviors in your family. What would it look like if you did something different? This may feel unfamiliar, but by doing something different, you can shift the expectations and responsibility in the relationship. Often, we take on managing the emotional reactivity of other people at the expense of ourselves. This may be a good time to try something new. The emotions that come up when we feel triggered are unavoidable but we can practice different ways of responding.

handling your family's response to a change in how you function

This is a season of giving, yes. However, it is important to honor the capacity that you can take on. Sharing responsibilities doesn’t mean you don’t care or love your family, it is a way to set healthy boundaries within your family so that you can enjoy the holidays and allow everyone the opportunity to contribute to the happiness of the season. Adjusting these expectations can, in a healthy way, shift responsibilites moving forward so that you are not always in the role of taking care of everything. 

Need more help handling the holidays or making healthy choices for the new year? Request an appointment with me, find a Lifeologie Counseling specialist near you, or check out the rest of our blogs on how to manage your mental health!

Updated 12/12/25