I have a tough relationship with my family, but I feel like I need to spend time with them over the holidays. What would you recommend to get through Christmas?

Familial relationships are nuanced and can be difficult to navigate. A valid sense of guilt may stem from a strong feeling of responsibility to spend time with family members, especially over the holidays. While setting strong and kind boundaries for yourself and others can be complicated, it is incredibly important to maintaining a safe dynamic for all. With that, as you reflect on your boundaries, consider asking yourself the following:

What kind of affection will you accept or give to others?
Are you feeling pressured to participate in activities but want no part of them?
How do you intend to relate to your family members’ feelings?
Are you feeling pressured to celebrate even if you aren’t in a place to do so?
What are your morals and values, and what will you do if someone you love does not share the same ones?

Kimmy Wu