How to Deal with Family Drama Around the Holidays

Published on December 2, 2022

toy car with a tree on top of it

While the holidays often conjure images of joyous family gatherings, for some, they resemble a suspenseful movie filled with unexpected drama. The stress of travel, the pressure of gift-giving, and the potential for family conflicts can turn this season into a challenging time.

Although you may not prevent family drama entirely, there are effective ways to navigate through it:

1. Have Realistic Expectations

Manage holiday pain by setting realistic expectations. Acknowledge the imperfections of life and families, recognizing that not every moment will be pleasant. At Bozeman Counseling Center, we advise our clients to practice "notice and name" – acknowledging and labeling their emotions to regulate and prevent overwhelming feelings.

2. Set Your Boundaries

Despite the potential triggers that family time may evoke, remember that you are an adult capable of setting boundaries. Decide in advance what you will tolerate regarding meal times, sleeping arrangements, and acceptable topics of discussion. Communicate your personal limits to all involved, and, if needed, establish internal boundaries to protect your well-being through empowering self-talk and self-soothing.

3. Use Good Judgement

Holiday stress can lead to overindulgence in alcohol or processed foods. Be mindful of your consumption, as excessive alcohol and sugars can impair mood and judgment. Practice self-compassion if you find yourself overindulging, recognizing that coping mechanisms vary in challenging family dynamics.

4. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider speaking with a therapist in the weeks leading up to the holidays. A therapist can provide tools to navigate awkward and tense family moments, offering valuable insights and coping strategies.

At Bozeman Counseling Center, we are here to support you with our therapy services during the holiday season. If you're interested in exploring counseling, please reach out. We aim to make your holidays warm and merry, or at the very least, tolerable.

Sending you good vibes this holiday season,

Warmly,

Kittie

Kathryn Bowen

Kathryn (Kittie) Bowen, MS, LCPC, is the the founder and director of Bozeman Counseling Center. She is passionate about helping people get unstuck so that they can start thriving in all important areas of life. Eighteen years ago Kittie made the decision to leave her executive position and pursue her love of human potential and personal development. After attending graduate school in Mental Health Counseling, she established a private practice providing therapy to individuals and couples.

Education:

  • Undergraduate - BS in Business, Accounting, Western Washington University

  • Graduate - MS in Mental Health Counseling, Monana State University

License:

  • Montana BBH-LCPC-LIC-1579

https://www.bozemancounselingcenter.com/kathryn-bowen
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