011: Silent Night, Silent Treatment: A Holiday Survival Guide

The holidays are coming in hot (and so are the guilt trips), but fear not—we’ve got your back. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or whatever gathering your narcissistic family insists is mandatory, this time of year can feel like an emotional minefield. That’s why we’re kicking off Season 2 with The Holiday Survival Guide. 

This isn’t your typical advice about bringing a nice dish and avoiding politics at the dinner table. No, no. We’re breaking down what to do before, during, and after the family event, so you can survive while keeping your self-preservation, boundaries, and mental health intact. 

And here's our favorite holiday mantra: If your family's going to cast you as the villain in their story because you chose self-preservation over their picture-perfect fantasy... own that role! Embrace your status as the terrible daughter (or son)! After all, if you're going to be talked about anyway, you might as well be comfortable while it's happening.  

Remember: You don't have to RSVP 'yes' to every emotional guilt trip your family sets along your path.  

🎙️ Tune in for tips, tales, and truth bombs, because your well-being is the real gift this season. 

Let us know what part of the holidays you dread most in the comments. Or better yet, tell us how you’re planning to be the villain – we’re taking notes. 

We’re so happy to be back here with you for a brand-new season of the podcast. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast app to automatically get all of the new episodes as soon as they drop. Unlike the narcissist in your life, we'd love to hear your stories and how they affected you. Email us or DM us on Instagram, @terribledaughterpod or at H2Bterrible@gmail.com!  

What We Cover In This Episode:  

• A litmus test you can use to recognize the difference between abusive family practices or those that are just unpleasant [6:31]  
• What to do before your holiday visit, including specific things to put in place and actual wording for anticipating and handling situations that may arise [11:28] 
• Personal boundaries we recommend you consider and the ultimate purpose of taking these pre-emptive measures [19:10] 
• Simple things you can do to nurture yourself, including the clothing you wear during the visit [24:28]
• What to do while you’re there with your family that can make it easier for everyone and to avoid potential issues [27:41] 
• An important reminder that you are indeed allowed to leave and that they probably will still talk about you, regardless of what you do [38:03] 
• After-care strategies that will allow you to rest, relax and recharge after the holidays conclude for another year [43:58] 
• Our first “Mini Crazy Mom Offs” of the new season with a flashback to 1980’s and Megan’s very first dance [48:13] 
• The tools we’re using: How Elizabeth is improving the ecosystem of their neighborhood and Megan’s recent adventures in the kitchen [56:55]  

 

Links & Resources:  

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2 Episode 11, featuring John Ritter