Home (and Happy) For the Holidays: A 3 Step Guide
Category: Misc.
With some practice, planning, and preparation, going home for the holidays can remind you of the reason for the season, even if time with loved ones sounds anything but restful.
Topic Of Discussion
Believe it or not, we’ve come to the end of the year again. It’s a time for reflection, rest, and spending time with our loved ones…which, let’s be real, don’t always all go hand in hand.
If time with loved ones sounds anything but restful to you, read on. With some practice, planning, and preparation, going home for the holidays can remind you of the reason for the season, rather than having you count down to the new year ahead of New Year’s Eve.
1. Cultivate gratitude
When family dynamics get tricky, gratitude can serve as a grounding tool to shift your focus from frustration to appreciation. Start by reflecting on what’s good—maybe it’s the chance to slow down, share a meal, or reconnect with a sibling you haven’t seen in months. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard; it means noticing the small, meaningful moments that coexist with the chaos. Consider keeping a short daily gratitude list or mentally noting one positive thing about each person you’ll be spending time with. This mindset can soften tension and help you find genuine joy in the season, even when it’s not picture-perfect.
2. Prioritize self-care
Holidays often push routines aside, but maintaining your well-being is key to staying balanced. Whether that looks like going for a morning walk, meditating before family gatherings, or setting aside quiet time to recharge, make sure your needs don’t fall to the bottom of the list. Self-care during the holidays isn’t selfish — it’s preventative. When you feel rested and grounded, you’re better equipped to navigate challenging conversations, manage stress, and stay present. Think of it as refilling your cup so you can show up as your best self, not your most depleted one.
3. Hold your boundaries
Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable, especially with family, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your peace. Boundaries might mean limiting how long you stay, declining certain topics of conversation, or saying no to commitments that drain you. Communicating these limits calmly and clearly helps prevent resentment and burnout. Remember: boundaries aren’t walls — they’re the guidelines that make relationships more sustainable and interactions more enjoyable. Holding them firmly allows you to engage from a place of choice rather than obligation, turning the holidays into a time of connection instead of tension.
Wrapping it up
Sometimes, it takes an external support system to make relying on your family as a support system possible! Our therapists at Tri-Star Counseling are pros at giving objective, but personalized, support. If your anxiety around the holidays is kicking in, contact us today.
