The holidays are upon us. For some, it’s a time of warmth and joy. Bright days spent with friends and family, long nights full of scented candles, holiday movies, and—of course—good food and even better booze.
For many others, though, the holidays are the most difficult time of the year. Those of us with critical, belligerent, or unaccepting family members dread this season of gathering like we do an oncoming ice storm. So, for this Sunset Clarity segment, I’d like to share a few tips for making it through the holidays intact.
First and foremost, don’t neglect self care. Hydrate, exercise, and for the love of God, get enough sleep. Try to include at least one “You” activity each day. Whether that’s taking a long walk, watching a favorite movie, or writing in a journal, practicing self-care can grow your fortitude ahead of any problematic family events.
Second, be prepared. If you know you’re walking into a potentially volatile situation, it can’t hurt to prepare for the worst ahead of time. Consider a few turns the conversation could take, and practice some quick responses to shut it down. Remember, it’s okay to make protecting yourself a top priority.
It can also help to know who your allies are. Ahead of any family event, identify the people you can find if things go south. And, if your gathering is devoid of allies, consider bringing a friend—or, of course, turning down the invitation altogether.
On that note, remember it’s always your right to leave. If someone crosses a line or you’ve simply dealt with all you can, it’s okay to say your goodbyes and head for the door. There’s no requirement to subject yourself to abuse, whether it’s from a family member or anyone else.
On behalf of all of us at Weathering Rainbows, I hope this holiday season is one full of joy for you and yours. Take care of yourselves, and remember you’ve got plenty of friends out here on the Rainbow Trail.
Sources: