If you feel tense, responsible, or overwhelmed before the holiday, you are not imagining it. Thanksgiving can reactivate old family roles and emotional patterns that make maintaining boundaries feel impossible. This article explains why the holidays can bring up feelings of guilt, pressure, and emotional burnout, and how to set boundaries that help you breathe more easily this year.

Managing holiday stress is more complex than planning meals or travel. The season can activate old roles, emotional triggers, and grief, making the holidays feel heavier than expected. This article explores why the holidays impact mental health, how to navigate family dynamics, and practical ways to protect your emotional wellbeing through rest, boundaries, and grounding tools.