If you’re reading this on Christmas Eve, there’s a good chance you’re surrounded by the people you love, wrapped in the warmth of tradition and the hope that defines this season. In my family, this year, hope has a new name, and it doesn’t just belong to a holiday. It belongs to a person.

Hey everyone. The holidays are supposed to be all about peace and connection, right? But let's keep it real: they can also be a total pressure cooker, especially when it comes to family, friends, and money. That pressure to give the perfect (and sometimes pricey) gift can make anyone stressed. And when family members are in different financial places, those differences can suddenly feel huge.

Last week, we talked about how your best friend can become your holiday nemesis on a trip. We explored the pressure cooker of forced proximity, differing budgets, and the simple fact that no one is on their "best behavior" 24/7. But what happens when the pressure cooker isn't a vacation rental? What happens when it’s your own home, and the cast of characters isn't your friends, but your family?

We’ve all seen the post-holiday social media fallout. The flurry of passive-aggressive subtweets, the carefully cropped group photo with one glaring absence, or worse—the full-blown “we’re not speaking anymore” silence. It makes you wonder: what is it about vacations and holiday gatherings that turns ride-or-die friends into sworn adversaries?

As we approach Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude. We make lists of what we’re thankful for, and we focus on expressing our appreciation to others. In my work as a therapist, I often champion this practice for its profound benefits to our mental health.

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a whirlwind of parties, family gatherings, and let's be honest, a lot of pressure to be "on." You’re constantly switching gears between talking to close family, distant relatives, coworkers, and maybe even a few new dates. Because yes, it's also cuffing season—that time of year when the desire to find someone special to cozy up with can feel extra intense.

You know the feeling. The invitation stares you down. A holiday party, a family dinner, a work function. Everyone else seems to be buzzing with cheerful small talk, and all you can think about is the quiet comfort of your own couch. The pressure to be "on" and social can feel like a heavy coat you have to wear in a sauna—suffocating.