Holiday Stress and Family Drama in 2024: Tips for Navigating Election-Year Gatherings
Part 2 of the 2024 Holiday Stress Series
This post is the second in a three-part series offered to support moms with the most common holiday stressors. You can read the other posts in this series here: 18 Creative Holiday Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank and How to Avoid Burnout and Overwhelm During the 2024 Holidays.
The holiday season is often described as a time of joy and togetherness, but for many families, it’s also a period filled with heightened tensions. Family gatherings can be tricky to navigate, with unresolved conflicts, differing values, and, of course, the pressure to create a perfect holiday experience. This year, however, those challenges might feel even more intense. Although the U.S. election is behind us, political divisions within families remain a present threat that could exacerbate the usual holiday stress, making it even more difficult to find peace and connection during family gatherings.
Family Dynamics Can Be Tricky
Holidays bring together family members who don’t always see eye-to-eye. Differing opinions about everything from parenting styles to careers can surface, making the atmosphere uncomfortable. As reported by the American Psychological Association in their annual stress report, nearly 40% of adults say that the holidays cause a significant amount of stress due to family conflict and financial pressure. This year, the additional strain of political discussions can make family dynamics even more volatile. Whether it’s differences of opinion about people or policy, these conversations can easily derail an otherwise joyful gathering.
It’s important to approach these gatherings with the understanding that not everyone will agree, and that’s okay. By creating a plan to navigate potentially divisive topics, you can focus on maintaining connection rather than falling into heated debates. Remember, it’s okay to respectfully disengage from political conversations (or any other topics that cause distress) and redirect the focus to more positive, inclusive topics.
Set Boundaries Before You Arrive
One of the most effective ways to manage holiday family drama is by setting boundaries. Whether it’s deciding ahead of time how much time you’ll spend with certain family members or setting clear limits on which topics are off-limits at the dinner table, boundaries help create emotional safety. This year, it might be worth discussing in advance whether political conversations will be allowed during family meals or get-togethers. It’s okay to kindly suggest keeping the conversation light, focusing on shared memories, or talking about holiday traditions rather than the upcoming election.
Strategies for Minimizing Conflict
Even with boundaries in place, conflicts can arise. Here are a few strategies you can use to navigate these potentially uncomfortable situations:
Stay Neutral – If a family member brings up a controversial topic like politics, try to lead with curiosity and grace. If you are able, get curious as to their beliefs or fears that are beneath their election preferences. And, feel free to make space for your truth to be spoken aloud as well. Just be mindful of the energy and tone you want to convey, as the message and the delivery matter. If the topic persists and tensions escalate, it’s okay to change the subject.
Take a Break – If you feel tensions rising, it’s perfectly fine to take a break. Step outside, take a few deep breaths, or go for a walk to clear your mind. Taking short breaks can help reduce emotional intensity and prevent the situation from escalating.
Practice Active Listening – Sometimes, a family member may just want to feel heard. If you’re comfortable, allow them to speak while practicing active listening without offering judgment or solutions. This can help defuse tension.
Bring Your Own Peace – Focus on the aspects of the holiday that you enjoy, whether it’s reconnecting with certain relatives, savoring holiday foods, or participating in family traditions. Remember, you’re not responsible for fixing everything. Focus on bringing your own sense of peace and joy to the table.
Holiday Stress Is Real—But It Can Be Managed
With everything happening in the world, from the economy to the political climate, it’s no wonder that many families are feeling more stress than usual this holiday season. But that doesn’t mean the holidays are doomed to be unpleasant. By being proactive about setting boundaries, managing expectations, and focusing on the positive aspects of your holiday traditions, you can help mitigate some of the stress and enjoy the season for what it’s meant to be: a time of connection, love, and reflection.
Selfish Reflections
At the end of the day, the holidays are about spending time with the people you love. While it’s normal for family tensions to arise—especially in a high-stress year like this one—it’s also possible to navigate these situations with grace and intention.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to take care of yourself first. Reach out to a trusted friend, or consider scheduling a session with me to help you manage stress, identify and communicate boundaries, and offer other personalized strategies for navigating your specific family dynamics.
For more tips on handling holiday stress, don’t forget to check out my other posts in this Holiday Stress Series. You can also download my free Ultimate Holiday Guide: 2024 Edition, which includes activities for kids, self-care ideas, and resources for keeping your holiday season as joyful as possible.
This blog post was originally written for Parentswarm and was first published on their website on November 28, 2023. You can view the original post here.
