Tips for Surviving Family Gatherings during the holidays  

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and loved ones to get together and celebrate. However, for some people, the holiday season can be a stressful time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of attending holiday gatherings, here are 15 tips to help you make it through:

1. Don’t over commit yourself. Its okay to say no to invitations, especially if you’re already feeling stressed about the holidays. Choose the events that are most important to you and your family and focus on those.

2. Take breaks as needed. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or overloaded during a gathering, step away for a few minutes to take a break. Go for a walk outside, find a quiet spot to sit, or step into another room to take a few deep breaths.

3. Set limits on the discussion of sensitive topics. If there are certain topics that you know will be stressful for you to discuss, set limits in advance. For example, you might say that you’re only willing to talk about them for a certain amount of time or you might avoid them altogether.

4. Focus on the positive. The holidays can be a tough time for people who are struggling with negativity in their lives. Try to focus on the positive aspects of the season and the people around you.

5. Be prepared for changes. The holiday season is often a time of change, whether it’s a change in plans or unexpected guests. Try to go with the flow and be prepared for changes as they come.

6. Make time for yourself. The holiday season can be hectic and overwhelming. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Use this time to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a walk, or listening to music.

7. Seek support from loved ones. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to your family and friends for support. Let them know how you’re feeling and ask for their help when it comes to planning events or dealing with difficult situations.

8. Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to cope with the stress of the holiday season, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with tools and resources to help you make it through this tough time.

9. Avoid alcohol and other substances. If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, alcohol and other substances will only make things worse. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and be sure to have a designated driver.

10. Be mindful of your spending. The holidays can be an expensive time of year, so be mindful of your spending. Set a budget in advance and stick to it. Don’t let the pressure of gift-giving lead you to spend more than you can afford.

11. Stick to your usual routine as much as possible. The holiday season can be a disruptive time, but try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible. This will help you maintain some sense of normalcy during a chaotic time.

12. Avoid comparing yourself to others. The holiday season can be a time of the comparison, whether it’s comparing your holiday plans to others or feeling like you don’t have enough. Try to focus on your own happiness and what’s important to you.

13. Don’t try to please everyone. It’s impossible to please everyone, so don’t try. Do what you can to make the people around you happy, but don’t put your own happiness on the back burner.

14. Be accepting of imperfections. The holidays are not perfect and neither are you. Accept that things will go wrong and that people are imperfect. This doesn’t mean that you have to like it, but it will help you deal with the inevitable stress that comes with the holidays.

15. Seek out social events. If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, seek out social events. There are often holiday-themed events happening around this time of year, so take advantage of them. This can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Conclusion:

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. However, there are some things that you can do to help make it through this tough time. Try to set limits on the discussion of sensitive topics, focus on the positive, and be prepared for changes. Additionally, make sure to schedule some time for yourself and seek support from loved ones if needed. Finally, don’t try to please everyone and be accepting of imperfections. If you follow these tips, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the stress of the holiday season.