The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos Holiday Survival Guide I: Ending Family Arguments (with Rainn Wilson)
12 snips
Dec 8, 2025 
Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor from The Office and host of the Soul Boom podcast, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to tackle holiday stress. They share science-backed strategies to defuse family arguments and manage holiday loneliness. Rainn emphasizes the importance of direct communication over passive aggression during gatherings. The duo also explores overcoming festive FOMO and the value of meaningful conversations instead of small talk. They remind listeners to honor their grief while encouraging connection and service as paths to joy.
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Limit Holiday Social Media
- Avoid passive scrolling during the holidays; limit social media use to planned, brief sessions.
- Prepare yourself before you open feeds and step away if it triggers comparison or sadness.
Perfectionism Signals 'Not Enough'
- Perfectionist holiday goals often mask a deeper 'not enough' feeling about self or home.
- When striving for flawless events makes you snarky or unhappy, you've gone past healthy balance.
Call To Clarify Holiday Plans
- Pick up the phone and communicate directly about holiday plans instead of relying on texts or email.
- Ask explicit questions about others' values and expectations before making assumptions.
