How to Survive Holidays with Family: 7 Psychologist's Tips

Problem: Expectation vs. Reality Winter holidays are magical, right? In commercials, everything looks perfect: family gathered at the table, gifts wrapped with love, cozy vibes. But reality often has a different script. For many, family gatherings are torture. Skeletons come out of the closet: addicted relatives, unresolved conflicts, loneliness, and awkward questions ("When are you getting married?"). Instead of joy, it's a period you just need to survive.

What to Do? The Rescue Plan Psychologist Beverly Flaxington (and common sense) suggest: there is still time to choose a new strategy.

1. Prepare Your "Support Squad" You know what's coming. Your aunt will criticize your life choices, and your dad will forget a gift. Don't expect a miracle—prepare backup! Agree with a friend on an "SOS" signal. When things get tough, they can send you a funny meme or an encouraging text. It’s your lifeline to sanity.

2. Plan B: The Escape It sounds scary, but you can choose... not to go. Or go somewhere else. Find a community event, hang out with friends, or spend the holidays alone doing what YOU love. Relatives might be upset, but your mental health comes first.

3. Be a Santa for Others If family drama drains you, give your energy elsewhere. Buy gifts for those in need, donate to an animal shelter, or volunteer. Helping others instantly shifts focus from your own problems to gratitude and purpose.

4. Your Rules, Your Territory (Boundaries) A crucial addition: Personal Boundaries. You have the right not to answer uncomfortable questions. "I appreciate your concern, but I’m not discussing my personal life today. Please pass the gravy." Polite but firm.

5. Activities Over Passive Aggression Don't just sit there. Go for a walk, see a movie alone, binge-watch a new show, or knit a scarf. Create a plan to keep yourself occupied and entertained.

6. Emotional Safety (Gratitude) When you feel like exploding, use a secret weapon—Gratitude. Find 3 things you are grateful for right now: the food is good, you have a roof over your head, or simply that this dinner will end soon. Gratitude lowers stress levels faster than you think.

7. Self-Reflection Tools: Your Sanity Kit from MriyaRun Sometimes "just enduring" isn't enough—you need to understand why it hurts. That’s why I created the MriyaRun project. It’s a space for your psychological resilience.