The Mark Driscoll Podcast How to SURVIVE Your Toxic Family During the Holidays | The Mark Driscoll Show | Thanksgiving Special
Nov 26, 2025
Navigate the tricky world of family dynamics during the holidays with practical tips and heartfelt advice. Hear stories from newlyweds about establishing traditions and learn how to manage kids' holiday routines effectively. Discover techniques for empty nesters to serve younger families and deal with tough conversations by setting pre-holiday agreements. Gain insight on creating a safer, joyful atmosphere and exit strategies for tense situations. Prioritize joy over exhaustion and make your holiday gatherings meaningful!
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Create Your Own Holiday Traditions
- Try creating new family traditions or take a trip instead of doing two turkey dinners with extended family every year.
- Rotate holidays or spend one holiday as your new family's special time to build memories and reduce conflict.
Set Boundaries Early With Extended Family
- Have frank conversations early about holiday expectations and ask extended family to flex for young children.
- Set boundaries immediately so controlling relatives don't escalate when grandchildren arrive.
Build Deliberate, Repeatable Traditions
- Intentionally build repeatable, kid-friendly traditions like daddy dates, baking, and special outings to make holidays memorable.
- Teach generosity by adopting giving-tree names so kids learn to give during the season.
