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Choosing to stay home for the holidays, instead of participating in the whirlwind of festivities, can be a decision laden with guilt. It's as if there's an unwritten rule that says you must be present at every family gathering or follow the well-trodden path of holiday customs.
- Caitlin Harper
- The Everygirl
- Know that it’s your choice where you spend the holidays. PSA: Your emotional health comes first. Yes, I said first. If time with family compromises some aspect of this, you can reevaluate your holiday plans without feeling guilt or remorse because your responsibility is to prioritize your well-being.
- If you’re on the fence, think through the experience of being home. Going through the thought exercise of being home and interacting with family can be a valuable decision-making tool.
- Suggest an alternative time or place. Marriage, children, loss of a family member, divorce—family circumstances frequently change, which means that the holidays this year might look very different for you than holidays past, and therefore requires alternatives.
- Remember that conflict is a sign of a healthy relationship. Doubtful your family can handle news of your absence? Try it. “People are so terrified to say or do anything that might hurt their parents,” White said.
Dec 3, 2022 · Going home for the holidays is not feasible for everyone, whether because of financial hardship, to protect emotional well-being, or ongoing mental health struggles.
- alexa.mikhail@fortune.com
Oct 22, 2020 · Tell your family about your plans as soon as you’ve made a decision… or, if it makes sense, as soon as you start considering not going home.
Nov 17, 2020 · Whatever's going on for you, here's a breakdown of five common situations that may lead you to not go home for the holidays — and how to effectively work through each of them.
Nov 6, 2020 · Maybe you are close with your family and feel a devastating sense of loss from choosing not to go home for the holidays if that’s what’s safest for you and your loved ones. There’s space for...
Dec 21, 2015 · The earlier you stop going home just because you feel obliged to, the more magical your family’s traditions will seem in retrospect.
