As the holidays approach, many people are looking forward to celebrating and spending time with family, but for some families or couples it may be a time of stress or increased family tension.
Families tend to come together during the holidays and reconvening can often activate old dynamics and old wounds that have never been resolved. As a result, constant conflict and arguments may outweigh the joyful and happy moments we usually expect during the holiday season, causing hurt and sadness for many.
Additionally, no matter what your expectations are for the holiday season, you are bound to face stressful situations, such as travel delays, staying with your in-laws, or hosting a large group. These stressful situations may cause an increase in marital conflict or escalate overall tension in the home, which may make you feel apprehensive about the holiday season.
Although family relationships and conflicts could become extremely complicated, it does not mean that you have to avoid spending the holidays with your loved ones.
As psychologists who work with couples and families, we know the holidays could increase tension in the home and lead to conflict. Family and couples therapy could offer support and guidance to improve communication and resolve these ongoing conflicts. Families are likely to benefit from increased insight into their repetitive destructive patterns of communication and ways of dealing with family conflict especially when the family reconvenes.
The psychologists and therapists at the Orlandini Psychology Group are experienced in helping individuals and families deal with different kinds of stress, including stress that is brought on by the holiday season. Contact Us today – we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What common stresses do people face during the holidays?
- During the holidays, people often face stress from unresolved family dynamics, travel delays, and the pressures of hosting or staying with relatives. These can lead to increased tension and conflicts, particularly in family and marital settings.
- How can therapy help manage holiday stress?
- Therapy can provide support and guidance to improve communication and conflict resolution. It helps families and couples gain insights into destructive communication patterns and navigate holiday tensions more effectively.
- Why might the holidays cause conflict in families?
- Holidays can activate old family dynamics and unresolved issues, leading to conflicts. The stress of expectations and external factors like travel can exacerbate tensions, highlighting existing relational problems.
- Is it better to avoid family gatherings if conflicts are expected?
- Avoiding family gatherings isn't necessary. By understanding and addressing the underlying issues with the help of therapy, families can learn to manage conflicts and enjoy time together during the holidays.
- What are the benefits of seeking therapy during the holiday season?
- Therapy during the holiday season can reduce stress by helping to resolve conflicts and improve family dynamics. This support can lead to a more enjoyable holiday experience by fostering better communication and understanding.
Sources
- The Beam: Tips for dealing with holiday stress; learn about patient ... (fredhutch.org)Nov 25, 2024 ... Portrait of Sara Hardy, MD, a white woman with dark hair. She is Dr. Sara Hardy is a central nervous system tumor expert at Fred Hutch Cancer ...
- Coping with Family Dynamics During the Holidays - Dr. Claire ... (drclairenicogossian.com)Enjoy the holiday season with stress from family and in-laws dynamics (some dysfunctional more than others), and enjoy the holiday.
- Tips for Managing Holiday Stress and Your Psoriatic Disease (psoriasis.org)Dec 5, 2023 ... Join psychiatrist Dr. Vanessa Cutler, NYU Langone Health, and Dr. Leslie Beth or LB Herbert for tips on managing holiday stress and simplifying expectations.
- Coping with Holiday Stress: Tips to Thrive – Thriving Under Pressure (drandreadinardo.com)Dec 25, 2023 ... Published by Dr. Andrea Dinardo. Dr. Andrea Dinardo is a positive psychology expert, keynote speaker, and leadership trainer who helps people ...