Traveling & Holidays for Couples & Families
The holidays are a time when many of us come together with family — whether for a single day or an extended visit. For some, this season feels joyful and connected, while for others, family dynamics can make it more challenging. The holidays can also stir up memories or past experiences that bring emotional stress or discomfort.
It’s completely normal to experience mixed emotions this time of year — joy and gratitude can exist right alongside stress, exhaustion, or sadness. Remember, it’s okay to feel how you feel, even if it doesn’t match the “holiday spirit” you see around you.
Whether your loved ones live just down the street or across the country, travel and togetherness can add extra layers of pressure. Here are some helpful tips to support your well-being and manage both family interactions and travel stress this season:
Set boundaries before arrival
Talk with your partner or travel companions about limits — how long you’ll stay, topics to avoid, or signals for when someone needs a break. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you unkind; it helps you stay grounded. That might mean stepping outside for a breather, limiting certain conversations, or saying no to one more gathering. Prioritizing your mental health allows you to show up more fully where it truly matters.
Bring comfort items
Travel can feel destabilizing. Pack a few grounding items that help you feel centered such as; a favorite book, headphones, soothing tea, or a journal. These familiar comforts can help restore calm and stability when you’re away from home.
Set shared expectations
Before the holiday season gets too busy, take time to discuss how you’ll spend your time — whose family you’ll visit, which events you’ll attend, and when you’ll carve out time to rest or be alone. Having these conversations early helps prevent misunderstandings and resentment later. Avoid making last-minute assumptions about plans or priorities — clear communication can go a long way toward keeping everyone on the same page and feeling respected.
Show appreciation
The holidays can bring out self-criticism or comparison. Try to balance that by practicing self-gratitude. Each day, acknowledge something you’ve done well or something you appreciate about yourself. Even small moments of self-kindness can shift your mindset and lift your mood.
Engage in your coping skills
When stress builds, use grounding exercises to help regulate your body and mind. One quick tool is box breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Repeat this 3–5 times to help your nervous system reset.
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