Holiday Boundaries Made Easy: Your Free Cheat Sheet to Stress-Free Family Gatherings

Holidays are wonderful and a great time to be around the people you love, but can also be very stressful when family is pushing your boundaries, asking too much of you, or making you do things you don’t want to do. When this happens, it can drain your energy and take away from your holiday experience.

So, to make sure you don't have to be in that situation here are powerful 'Yes, but...' statements you can start practicing now, so you're ready when the time comes:

"Yes, I know you want everyone together, but I need some quiet time to recharge."

"Yes, I love holiday traditions, but I’m starting some new ones for myself this year."

"Yes, I appreciate the invitation, but I’ve already made plans with my own family."

"Yes, I understand you want me to stay longer, but I have other commitments to honor."

"Yes, I value our family time, but I’m setting limits on how long I’ll be attending gatherings."

"Yes, I understand this is important to you, but I need to spend the holidays in a way that feels right for me."

"Yes, I know you want everyone to be involved, but I can’t commit to hosting this year."

"Yes, I’m happy to celebrate, but I’m choosing to stay home for my own peace of mind."

"Yes, I appreciate the effort you put into this, but I won’t be able to come for the whole weekend."

"Yes, I’m excited for the holiday dinner, but I won’t be able to attend every event planned."

"Yes, I know you want to continue certain traditions, but I’m choosing to do things differently this year."

"Yes, I enjoy the holidays too, but I need to prioritize my own family’s needs this season."

"Yes, I understand everyone is excited, but I’m setting a limit on how much I can participate."

"Yes, I love seeing everyone, but I’m going to take a break from family gatherings this year."

"Yes, I know it’s important to you, but I can’t handle large family gatherings right now."

"Yes, I appreciate the invitation, but I’m not comfortable with traveling for the holidays this year."

"Yes, I’m happy to contribute, but I won’t be taking on any extra responsibilities this holiday."

"Yes, I love being a part of the celebration, but I won’t be able to stay as long as usual."

"Yes, I value family time, but I’m setting boundaries on how we celebrate this year."

"Yes, I understand the tradition, but I need to make this holiday work for my own schedule."