Experts suggest ways to avoid stress when spending time with family members during the holidays.

 

Returning home for the holidays can often be a source of stress for many individuals. The prospect of being around family members whom they only see once a year or with whom they have strained relationships can induce anxiety. To ensure that their holidays are not overshadowed by family stress, home-goers can take certain measures. Licensed medical family therapist, Jeff Yoo, from the Moment of Clarity Mental Health Center in Orange County, California, provided valuable advice in an interview with Fox News Digital. Yoo acknowledged that the holidays can bring a mix of excitement and stress, with a certain level of stress being natural. He also highlighted that for some individuals, the upcoming festivities may trigger memories or reflections on past strained relationships. Yoo further explained that the distress of feeling obligated to attend family gatherings, regardless of one's own feelings, can be overwhelming for some. This sense of duty or misplaced loyalty can compromise one's emotional well-being. Yoo identified various factors that can contribute to these compromised feelings, such as childhood trauma, unresolved conflicts, and hurtful discussions. Additionally, differences in financial ability to give or exchange gifts can also add strain to family dynamics during the holidays. Despite the various sources of stress, Yoo shared five tips to help reduce family-related anxiety during this time.

👉Make preparations in advance.

Planning ahead is crucial to ensure that you establish your own presence during the holiday season, according to Yoo. To navigate multiple invitations, he recommends clearly communicating that you have other commitments and keeping each gathering brief. Additionally, if you don't consume alcohol, you can either declare a sober holiday or bring your own beverage. Yoo advises individuals to shift their mindset before each event, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and a positive attitude. He also suggests avoiding conflicts and distancing oneself from those who may provoke negative emotions. Mia Rosenberg, a psychotherapist and owner of Upsider Therapy in New York, emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and avoiding contentious discussions. When faced with such topics, she suggests redirecting the conversation to more neutral subjects, ensuring that everyone can enjoy themselves.

👉Make sure you are ready.

To guarantee an on-time arrival, Yoo advised individuals to allocate ample time for preparation, taking into account tasks such as gift wrapping, food arrangements, and travel duration. In situations where there is known tension among family members, it might be prudent to engage in a separate discussion prior to your arrival. Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and the author of "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," who resides in Marathon, Florida, suggested having a conversation with the individual who frequently initiates conflicts to address your expectations.

👉It is important to maintain transparency regarding financial allocations

Yoo emphasized the importance of discussing financial difficulties with loved ones, despite the challenging nature of the topic. According to him, prioritizing quality time spent together over material gifts can bring greater happiness. He suggested the idea of crafting heartfelt handmade presents as a meaningful alternative to expensive purchases.

👉Alleviate the burdens of holiday pressures

Yoo emphasized the importance of simplifying expectations during the holidays, including spending, gift-giving, and even eating. To limit costs, he suggested trying the concept of picking names for gift-giving, where each person gives one gift with deeper thought and personalization. This approach keeps the meaning of giving at the forefront. Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert also advised adjusting expectations and not striving for a perfect holiday, as this can lead to disappointment and stress. By doing so, individuals can alleviate pressure and enjoy the gatherings more fully.

👉Prepare amusing pastimes for your family to enjoy

Yoo emphasized the importance of infusing enjoyable and suitable activities into the holiday schedule to alleviate stress. He recommended organizing inclusive family games such as a scavenger hunt or engaging in table and card games. "Create teams, dividing them into children versus adults," he advised. "Maximize the quality of your time spent with loved ones." Yoo also reminded individuals about the significance of prioritizing family bonding rather than focusing solely on gift-giving.