While the holiday season is often known for its cultural significance of tradition with family and creating fun memories, it can also be a painful reminder of trauma, grief/ loss, and overall family dysfunction. Even if you consider yourself to be lucky to have grown up in an “intact” family or “loving” household, celebrating with family can be stressful.
It can be hard to say no to family without feeling guilty. You may find yourself taking on more than you feel comfortable with out of obligation, only to find yourself feeling frustrated, anxious, irritated, disappointed, or depressed.
Just because you are family does not mean that you share the same views on things like COVID, religious beliefs, political views, and values. Awkward, inappropriate questions and microaggressions only make things worse. Generational gaps often come into play. It can be hard to enjoy each other’s company when time and energy is spent avoiding interactions or managing emotional reactions.
Spending time with family during the holidays can be a trigger to a painful past, as being around people, places, conversations, and activities associated with trauma may bring up distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings.
Physical separation often impacts families who may not be able to celebrate together due to living out of state or out of the country. Physical mobility, lack of transportation, and financial stressors are also barriers.
For these and many other reasons, many individuals are choosing to celebrate the holidays by gathering with friends. One popular American holiday that blends giving thanks by celebrating with friends is “Friendsgiving”.
This can be a low-stress, safer, and more accessible option this holiday season.
Whether you choose to celebrate and spend time with family, friends, and a combination of both, take time to give thanks to those who have made a significant impact in your life (even is this falls outside the traditional roles). Who knows, you may find yourself creating new memories by sharing food, drink, and laughter with those who you enjoy being with the most!
Written By : Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC

We’re Here to help
Our wellness experts will be happy to take care of you. You can CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment now or call (612)223-8898.
Meet Clinicians
We’re united by our commitment to providing effective, relevant, and innovative mental health support at all stages of your journey. Click Here to find out more about who we are, where we come from, and how we live out CARE’s mission every day.
The professionals at CARE are actively collecting and creating resources to help with what you need. We’re Here for You.
CARE COUNSELING LOCATIONS
Edina : 3601 Minnesota Dr., Ste.575, Edina, MN 55435
Bloomington : 7400 109th Street West, Bloomington, MN 55438
Loring Park : 310 Clifton Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Mankato : 1650 Madison Ave, Suite 102, Mankato, Minnesota, 56001
Maple Grove : COMING SOON
Mendota Heights : 1155 Northland Dr., Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Minneapolis : 204 W Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55404
Plymouth : 4100 Berkshire Ln N, Suite 250, Plymouth, MN 55446
St. Louis Park : 7601 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55426
Contact Us
Fax Us
(612)223-8899
Billing Questions
Please contact Thera-PAY, our billing provider (218) 301-3164