{"id":41781,"date":"2021-11-08T06:34:47","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T14:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=41781"},"modified":"2023-11-15T16:43:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T21:43:53","slug":"setting-boundaries-at-family-holidays-boundaries-with-family-are-challenging-but-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/Setting-Boundaries-with-Family-Holidays","title":{"rendered":"Setting Boundaries at Family Holidays: Boundaries with Family Are Challenging But Worth It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-38693 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Thanksgiving_turkey-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup shot of a turkey being served during a feast at a dining table\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Thanksgiving_turkey-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Thanksgiving_turkey.jpg 724w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Millions upon millions of Americans see their families during the holiday season. While a lot of us look forward to taking time off from work and spending quality time with our loved ones, just as many of us dread the holidays because we <i><span data-contrast=\"none\">have to\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\">spend time with them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Although holidays are often times of connection, joy, gratitude, friendship, and love, they can sometimes be times of frustration, fear, loneliness, and exhaustion,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d explains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/therapists\/profile\/kendall-coffman-20201004\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kendall Coffman<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, MS, a marriage and family therapist.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In order to ensure your holidays are as enjoyable as possible, you need to understand some of the factors that cause family members to reach their wit\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s end during the holiday season. Once you do, you can begin figuring out how to set boundaries with family and learn about some tactics you can use to navigate the holidays smoothly.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Surviving the Holidays: Why People Feel Uncomfortable at Family Gatherings<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kiro7.com\/news\/trending-now\/why-most-people-dont-want-to-stay-with-relatives-during-the-holidays\/1007541189\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">recent survey<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00c2\u00a0found that \u00e2\u20ac\u201d while 81 percent of Americans plan to see family members during the holiday season \u00e2\u20ac\u201d just 55 percent were actually looking forward to it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In large part, this is due to the fact that families tend to argue over things like politics and religion during holiday dinners \u00e2\u20ac\u201d particularly when there are copious amounts of adult beverages involved.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">But that\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not the only reason. That same study found that Americans don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like seeing family during the holidays because<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like sleeping on the floor or on the couch<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to be packed into a small space with tons of people<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be able to get intimate with their partner in their family member\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s house<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be able to watch their favorite TV shows<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like the food their family serves<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be able to walk around in their underwear<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have to share a room with a relative<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Of course, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re still in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/Holiday_Family+_Gatherings_COVID-19\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">middle of a pandemic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, which adds another layer of complexity into an already difficult time of the year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Now that you have a better idea of some of the main drivers of argumentative behavior at family gatherings, let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s turn our attention to what you can do to reduce the chances family members are at each other\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s throats this holiday season.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to Establish Boundaries with Family<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For clinical psychologist\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/therapists\/profile\/paul-greene-20100609\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Paul Greene<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, PhD, the holidays are the perfect time to start thinking about what kinds of behaviors are unacceptable and what your family can do to create workable boundaries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Gathering with family for any of the holiday rituals is a good opportunity to reflect with a 360-degree perspective for discovering acceptable and enforceable boundaries,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dr. Greene says.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Since every family is different, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll need to ask yourself and at least some of your family members a series of questions to outline what your family\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s boundaries might be. According to Dr. Greene, these are some of the questions you should ask:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why are you gathering?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Which members of the family are most likely to cause trouble?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What are some of the pitfalls your family has encountered in the past?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\u00ef\u201a\u00b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What does the vision for a more acceptable gathering look like?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Once you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve come up with agreeable answers, you can then start to define the boundaries themselves. For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/reassess-your-relations-resolution-to-create-better-boundaries-0103185\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">boundaries with family<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00c2\u00a0might include no yelling, no political discussion, and no abusive behaviors.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whatever your family ultimately decides, by preparing ahead of time about the coming events, you will improve the odds for a better holiday, Dr. Greene says. At the same time, this will help you\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/5-strategies-for-dealing-with-difficult-family-at-holidays-1121164\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">resolve issues<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00c2\u00a0before your family gathers so that fences are mended ahead of time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">By now, you have a better understanding of some of the drivers of family grief during the holiday season as well as the way setting boundaries can help mitigate some of them. In the next section, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll explore some other tactics that can save you as you approach your next family gathering.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What You Can Do to Navigate the Holidays Smoothly<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Other than\u00c2\u00a0outlining boundaries and doing everything you can to adhere\u00c2\u00a0toand\u00c2\u00a0enforce them, here are some additional tactics to keep in mind that can help you have productive and enjoyable family gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1. Set realistic expectations<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">According to\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/therapists\/profile\/paul-w-anderson-phd-20160331\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Paul W. Anderson<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, PhD, who\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a licensed psychologist, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s important for folks to set realistic expectations for the holidays.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153In America, the holiday period is the emotional hurricane season,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dr. Anderson says. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The most realistic expectation I offer people is to just get through the season with minimal ensnarement in family drama. This is not the time to pursue good feelings. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s the time to survive, so later on you can find yourself in one piece.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If yours is a particularly politically divided family, prepare for the likelihood that someone will invariably start\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.startribune.com\/the-political-divide-is-threatening-relationships-among-family-friends-and-co-workers\/600013687\/?refresh=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">yapping about politics<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d even if your family has set a boundary of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153no political discussions.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t over-indulge<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no secret that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.beveragedaily.com\/Article\/2018\/12\/19\/Americans-double-their-drinking-during-the-holidays-dampen-work-productivity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Americans like to imbibe during the holidays<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Of course, when people drink too much, they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re much more likely to get into arguments with their family members.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you can get through the holidays without too many spirits, there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s an easy fix: do as much as you can to abstain.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Drink enough but not too much alcohol,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Dr. Greene says. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153That may mean zero or near-zero.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Unfortunately, this might not prevent your eccentric uncle from tossing them back and starting an argument about Ross Perot\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s role in the 1992 U.S. presidential election. But if you keep your alcohol intake in check, you can at least rest comfortably knowing you won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be making it worse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3. Understand that it won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t last forever<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re in the middle of a difficult and tense family gathering, it may feel as though time is grinding to a halt. Even though the night might seem to stretch on forever, you need to remind yourself that this too shall pass, and that \u00e2\u20ac\u201d eventually \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you or your family will be headed back home.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you find yourself struggling during a particularly tense moment, Dr. Greene recommends staying patient by focusing on your breathing.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Practice counting to 10 before speaking, then breathe deeply, two seconds in and four seconds out,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d he says. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Repeat as needed.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Make your own rules<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At the end of the day, there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no reason any of us have to put ourselves into toxic situations just for the sake of it. This is part of the reason why many people are opting to spend holidays with their \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/radio\/checkup\/a-place-for-you-why-chosen-family-can-be-a-lifesaver-for-lgbtq-people-over-the-holidays-1.4954350\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">chosen family<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d i.e., their very close friends.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You are allowed to not invite someone to the party because they threaten your identity,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Coffman says. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have permission to make your own rules this holiday.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At the same time, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also okay to get along with family members \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and even love them \u00e2\u20ac\u201d although they might disagree with you on various important topics.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You are also allowed to lean into fun, play, and excitement. You are allowed to love a family member who has different views than you,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Coffman concludes. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You get to decide what works best in your life this holiday. Protect your peace.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Getting Ready for Your Next Family Gathering<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Are you anticipating exceptionally difficult family gatherings this holiday season? If so, remember that you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to go into the holidays on your own. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you need some help getting ready for the holidays, a therapist can help you get in the right frame of mind before the big days arrive. Start your\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">search for the perfect therapist<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u00c2\u00a0today.<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Millions upon millions of Americans see their families during the holiday season. While a lot of us look forward to taking time off from work and spending quality time with our loved ones, just as many of us dread the holidays because we have to\u00c2\u00a0spend time with them.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Although holidays are often times of connection, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3168,"featured_media":38693,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_crdt_document":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[542,1946,628,529,623],"tags":[861,1785,1064,1948,1576,1575,1019,1642],"class_list":["post-41781","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured-articles","category-family-concerns","category-general","category-good-therapy-announcements","category-issues-treated","tag-boundaries","tag-family-dynamics","tag-family-traditions","tag-healthy-family","tag-holiday-family","tag-holiday-family-gatherings","tag-holidays","tag-parent-child-relationship"],"acf":{"author_show":false,"author_name":"","author_role":"","author_avatar":null,"author_profile_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41781","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41781"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41781\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38693"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41781"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41781"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41781"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}