Home for the Holidays: Dealing with Difficult Family

For many, the holiday season is a festive time of year filled with joy, cheer, and good company. However, not everyone can look forward to the holidays with the same level of enthusiasm. For some, going home for the holidays means navigating through difficult and tense family dynamics.  

If you find yourself dreading the idea of facing your difficult family members over the holidays, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll be sharing some ways to help you deal with challenging family members this holiday season. 

Tips for Dealing with Difficult Family During the Holidays 

The holiday season is all about spending time with family. But what happens when you dread going home because of difficult relatives?  

First, know that it’s completely normal to feel this way. Many people struggle with the idea of having to spend time with family members they don’t get along with. It can lead to anxiety and stress, but there are ways to cope. 

Let’s look at some tips for handling difficult family during the holiday season and all year round. 

Create a Plan

One of the best ways to handle difficult family members during the holidays is to think ahead. Instead of leaving things open-ended, create a schedule that helps you avoid spending too much time with people who trigger conflict or stress.  

For example, instead of opting for a full-day family event, consider going over for a three-hour dinner. This can help limit your exposure to difficult family members, while still allowing you to enjoy holiday traditions and festivities.  

By having a plan and structure in place, you’re less likely to be caught off guard or find yourself stuck in awkward situations. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being. Having a plan can help ensure your holiday season is more enjoyable and less stressful. 

Stay Away from Touchy Subjects  

People have different opinions on topics like politics, religion, and everything in between. And that’s normal. In many families, not everyone believes or agrees on the same things, and that’s okay.  

However, controversial topics can often heat up and escalate into heated arguments that spoil the holiday spirit. It’s essential to leave those controversial conversations out of family gatherings to prevent unwanted conflicts.  

Instead, keep things light-hearted and stick to neutral topics that everyone can enjoy. Talk about fun things that happened during the year, catch up on each other’s lives, and share stories. 

It’s okay to redirect the topic of conversation politely if it is heading towards a touchy subject. It’s also okay to walk away from conflict if the conversation take a turn you’re not comfortable with.  

Do What Makes You Comfortable

The holidays aren’t about pleasing everyone else; they’re about spending time with the people you love and creating memories that you will cherish for years to come.  

It’s important to prioritize your mental and physical well-being during the holidays. Instead of forcing yourself to do things you’d rather not do just to appease your difficult family members, do what makes you comfortable.  

Maybe this means spending less time with certain family members or setting healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. At the end of the day, it’s important to do what’s best for you and your mental health. 

 Know Your Limits 

Heading home for the holidays can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly if you’re not sure how to deal with difficult family members. While it’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone, sometimes it’s better to know your limit and act accordingly.  

 If attending a particular gathering or family event causes you significant distress or anxiety, it’s okay to skip it altogether. Take a break from the family and engage in an activity that brings you joy.  

 Remember that the holiday season is about celebrating with those you love, but it’s also about self-care and healing. By following these tips, you can help make the most out of your holiday season while still taking care of yourself.  

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.