---
title: "Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style"
date: 2024-12-16T16:15:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/holiday-survival-guide-family-style"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Holiday Survival Guide: Family Style

This guide provides tools for navigating our families during the holidays. It includes questions from listeners with answers and advice from Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed clinical psychologist.

If we feel alienated during the holidays or choose not to celebrate, we can create traditions that are meaningful for us.

If we aren’t accepted by the family because of our gender and sexuality identity, we can find an affirming ally who can help the family accept us. We can also prepare an exit strategy, whether that means changing the topic of conversation, leaving the space altogether, or even choosing not to attend at all.

If we have family members who are conflicted about what the holidays, notably Thanksgiving, mean and represent, we can provide space for them to share their concerns. We may be able to learn from them.

If we are the matriarchs who take on the labor of caring for others and who respond to family members' needs and desires during the holidays, we can ask for help and support. We don’t have to do it all.

> When the halloween candy goes on sale and the dulcet tones of Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" are piping out of every store speaker, it can mean GO TIME for some folks. But there are also a lot of people who get a very familiar pit in their stomach when the holidays roll around. Holidays can mean exhaustion, confronting familial trauma, managing your uncle's opinions and all kinds of overload.

[Listen to the podcast ](https://www.npr.org/2019/11/11/778296959/holiday-survival-guide-family-style)

SOURCE: NPR • AUTHOR: Julia Furlan • LAST UPDATED: November 14, 2019

![A photo of a multiracial and multi-generational family together at a dinner table. The adults are holding up their glasses toward the center. There is a Christmas tree and stockings in the background.](data:image/png;base64,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) Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health)
- [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health)
- [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress)
- [families](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/families)
- [caregiving](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/caregiving)
- [LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/lgbtqia-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer-intersex-and-asexual)
- [gender roles](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/gender-roles)
- [Native peoples](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/native-peoples)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
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- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## Five Tips to Handle Holiday Stress

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.

![pexels-askar-abayev-6192017](data:image/png;base64,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)

Top five tips from the American Heart Association to help you manage holiday stress and maintain your heart health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/5-tips-to-handle-holiday-stress)

[ResourcesRead

## Women: Avoid a Holiday Heart Attack

In this article, learn how stress, especially during the holiday season, can lead to heart issues for women.

![Pexels leeloo thefirst 6173422 e1669652363566 jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

In this article, learn how stress, especially during the holiday season, can lead to heart issues for women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/women-avoid-a-holiday-heart-attack)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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)

This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease)

[ResourcesRead

## 2020 Report: Caregiving in the United States

A report on the demographics of caregivers in the United States, the nature of care work, caregiver stress/health, the financial impact of caregiving, and more.

![Pexels ron lach interracial grandson caretaking white grandma scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADiklEQVRIiWWWXbLzNgxDAVrJ1+V3uoeustc8fSApOTeejCNHMcEfEJT//edvWXVhy5JtW2HbEeGYq54clmUJCxIy877zvu+f+/657//uu9Z3JhCSxOOGJBCCeX5+zoZq8X3xsbGYJ/Z+WlHLFEFdSS3LeSYCKAO0C5+YoJXkMW/JLgxsyyFl7YRApNIKW9iCMsleHFcbUFrkfVBtXOYsuwIxEn1XKKy0bSOLiQE46waq+7rve6wLSe4C2jaQGRHS1TUABXbY9m+AE0KXUkZaed9UcgrTkizLYWc4pgYRui6MwCYc2GUo89g/OBghtO77Z5tmQpErERFh4uIKuASKSxBRKXO50xR4RPHAeAI8YWzbDmdGRF5cBLqq0JcAU1lC5ncldp66Bj/7uWE8CGE7uEJAIC5dZewKExHIkrP4PEmqSoHL5sq8TwTFaYsCSDsCQoEuLMzlqncgkKMqmW0UnUJ3nVdmNmunlWujs0S/uhngKVNatnT4+uiELT7SghxN2DBQRLJD5BQlfOcgpxzd7YFPWx3/bSF5pGJ6cJqwOSay8pmksXHArFMKyymielHnckOgZTfj6K/K6keYLYQjDJ1IP3zZfy6NqiaULS3HZYlpjCOkneG5+vnh5ZHYD99LCraDK67VFdAB2G8VV2sWOKKxClBWrcdcVX02FFJaa62XNB24eXwAevBcj8ET04ZtvMPztoscclpBAzz7gJ1wT8wRHcc1I86OaJsx2uLhrQKDAmGt1/vPtq7JUvPJ59WoXLn9D4fL3eoDubQjaAkKd1us1/vPk5/MXNzs2XO6ZkRMEdxFN+peK/6AY5JwAMYkz3tj7Dik6IU7uuphOVW+i1moRFBa7/dfz1HKsf6lsCWDH6z0Llpio+hX/SuC59z/BuDAMD9ONnvof/6r2jo7gtd7p0M+yfk6sGzVG6t12Mjd4R8ubf1Zr9f7zLJ6u5UcnqZ7HrbwU3MysUnGW6ZDOTRf6/WefG52Dm8HYOz2nUwiyExDPtQJb4ykz1bdaPKE1Lx4BEH2PROSDJxkpiwnRkkfpKA5y6MPrrU2Iw6S9e0+kWTizOKTpVSCI0Oh7Ky0CkkyRuu6rkeKNszjeIABMGmGqpt2RDrdQnFGXp/fJK3oyfQYhuJBpwRTc0ciSSuCJFocTlMzgtqToGbGsjfApMhzspWkkFO4zqSlOYxo73Gh+o1uRlznJiP9D2nEjIRSAGzmAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

A report on the demographics of caregivers in the United States, the nature of care work, caregiver stress/health, the financial impact of caregiving, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/2020-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Using the Media To Explore My Asexuality

MB discusses the role of the media in teaching her about asexuality and the asexuality spectrum.

![My Story- Using the Media To Explore My Asexuality](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the role of the media in teaching her about asexuality and the asexuality spectrum.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-using-the-media-to-explore-my-asexuality)

[ResourcesRead

## A Report on Sexual Violence against Indigenous Women in the US

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.

![Dulcey lima indigenous women march unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

[ResourcesRead

## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.

![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)

[ResourcesRead

## Letting Go of Survival Mode

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.

![Mature woman meditating with her eyes closed and her hands in prayer position. Black woman with dreadlocks practicing yoga in a studio. Happy middle-aged woman maintaining a healthy lifestyle.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/letting-go-of-survival-mode)