My personal hard launch for today's hard launch meet up, inspired by the new podcast episode and some posts/tags I've seen today: you don't have to do everything that other people expect from you this Christmas
In 2019 after many years of having a shit Christmas, I told my mum that I would be spending Christmas at my friend's house and not with my mum and dad, brother and sister. She was upset, and it took a few years for her to understand that I wouldn't be spending Christmas with them again. But nowadays I can actually have a fun day without the stress of being with my family. What works for me, is going to theirs on boxing day/the 26th because they put so much pressure on Christmas Day and that is part of what makes it so stressful. So boxing day is a lot less pressure. I will also be calling a friend after being at my parent's house so that I can decompress about anything I need to.
My point being, find what works for you and helps you get a better balance of family/parent expectations vs what you actually want. You deserve joy this Christmas!
Ask for help and consideration for your needs, because the people who actually care about you will listen 💜