November '24 Edition

Rachel Miller
Oct 31, 2024
3 min read

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more." – Oprah Winfrey

There’s a particular, comforting feeling that stirs in me when I close my eyes and let Thanksgiving morning unfold in my mind. As a kid, I’d shuffle into the kitchen, where the air was already growing warmer because of the oven working overtime to create that perfectly golden turkey. My mom would be at the counter, peeling potatoes with quiet focus and my dad would be outside, braving the chilly November air, gathering wood for the fireplace.

After helping myself to a bagel slathered with cream cheese and pouring a glass of orange juice—though as I got older, the orange juice gave way to a mimosa—I’d plant myself deep in my favorite corner of the couch. Wrapped in a blanket, I’d settle into the stillness of the morning, the kind that feels full of familiarity. My favorite part came next: waiting for the Radio City Rockettes to grace the screen with their perfectly synchronized kickline. Those moments were pure magic and deeply ingrained in my body, mind, and spirit.

Maybe your Thanksgiving memories are coming alive as you read these words on your screen. Maybe you’re starting to taste your grandma’s homemade sweet potato pie as you dive deeper into the files of your mind, or maybe you’re noticing your body getting tense as you hear the faint remnants of your family members arguing.

While Thanksgiving mornings hold a special place in my heart, I must admit that the description above was… well… let’s just say it was not the whole truth.

The rest of the day was probably some mixture of politics at the dinner tables, family drama, tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, endless piles of dishes that everyone would conveniently ignore (thanks gender roles), one too many glasses of wine, and someone storming off while someone else refused to look up from their phone. It was messy and wildly imperfect.

Thanksgiving forever serves as a reminder that while we can hold deep love and reverence for the ways our family wove holidays together, it’s also ok to question what exactly we want our participation in the holiday season to look like. If you, like me, are someone who is trying to navigate the holidays in a way that aligns with your boundaries and doesn’t negatively impact your mental health… you’re in the right place.

Embrace Psychotherapy Presents:

Holistic Holiday Survival Guide

"No" is a complete sentence.
- You don’t need to attend every holiday party, bake a million cookies, or host your second cousin’s 12 kids. Protect your energy. “No” is a boundary, not an insult. Use it freely because it's the simplest way to prevent holiday burnout.
Rest like it's your job.
- Who decided that the holidays require you to run on 3 hours of sleep and multi venti lattes? Take a nap. Go to bed early. No one is going to tell you that it's ok to rest, so you have to do it for yourself.
Eat the cookie, but also eat the veggie.
- Yes, the homemade cookies, grandma's pie, and a lot of cozy shack pudding are amazing, and you should enjoy them. But don't forget to throw in some greens once in a while so your body doesn't revolt. Balance, no deprivation, is the goal.
Feel your feelings.
- If the holidays stir up grief, frustration, or loneliness, try to let yourself feel it. Don't stuff the emotions down as they come up. Journaling, talking to a friend, an extra session with your therapist, or even a good cry are healthy ways to navigate the emotion minefield.
Start your own traditions.
- Maybe you've decided to just do Friendsgiving this year or maybe you're not into spending the holidays with your family. Either way, this is the perfect time for you to start your own traditions. A solo night with a good book or camping with your friends

Reunification Therapy

What is reunification therapy?

Reunification therapy is exactly what it sounds like - helping family members come back together after some tough times. It's often used when parents and kids have become distant, whether because of high conflict divorce, estrangement, or just life getting in the way. It's a way to create a bridge where healing and reconnection can happen.

The goal isn't to "fix" anyone. It's about making space for honest conversations, rebuilding trust, and finding a way forward that feels good for everyone involved. Sure, reunification can be challenging, but with the right support, it's absolutely possible to create meaningful change within your family.

Reunification therapy might be a good fit if: