Self-help

The holidays might be tricky for people who share different religious views from their families. Perhaps you grew up with a family who was very devout and went to church every Sunday, but as you got older, you developed your own beliefs, even converting to another faith. Or, maybe you don’t practice any religion at […]

If you’re single, you might find yourself dealing with unwanted dating questions at holiday gatherings. You might feel interrogated by aunts, uncles, and grandparents who are non-stop asking you, “Have you found someone special yet?” or “When are you going to settle down?” or perhaps even worse – they try to matchmake you with some […]

For better or worse, the holidays are very family-centric. Typically, holiday traditions are centered around being at home with your family. However, many people don’t have family to go home to during the holidays, or maybe they simply cannot logistically get home for the holidays due to work obligations or financial constraints. Either way, if […]

If you’re dealing with depression, the holidays can be an especially challenging time. It’s no secret that there’s a huge cultural emphasis on joy, togetherness, and celebration – all things that can be pretty difficult to feel when you’re depressed. Not to mention, depression can make you feel isolated, and if you feel like you’re […]

For anyone coping with loss and going through the grieving process, the holiday season can feel pretty blue. Maybe someone you love just recently passed away, or maybe it’s one of your first major holidays without your loved one. Holiday traditions and celebrations may serve as painful reminders of loved ones who are no longer […]

If you have social anxiety, the idea of attending a bunch of holiday parties with friends, colleagues, or family members is likely to get your heart racing. The pressure to engage in small talk, be in crowded spaces, and meet new people can trigger those with social anxiety. Not to mention, the fear of judgment […]

Although the holiday season is usually associated with joy, it can also be pretty toxic for some people – especially those who fall prey to the comparison trap. You’re setting yourself up for defeat when you compare yourself and your holiday to other people’s holidays. Whether it’s the pressure to have the “perfect” family party, […]

If you have a political extremist family whose views differ from yours, then you know just how heated family gatherings can get. You may face awkward, uncomfortable challenges during the holidays as you attend get-togethers with people who have intense ideological differences. The holiday season should be a time for family unity, but of course, […]

The holiday season can create unique challenges for LGBTQIA+ folks as they navigate family gatherings where their family members just don’t *get* it. For example, they may not fully understand your gender expression or sexual identity. They may not embrace it or even flat-out disapprove, which can be extremely disheartening.  From subtle microaggressions to harsh […]