You already know which questions are coming. This time you'll have your answers ready. This holiday survival guide is for Thanksgiving, Christmas and any gathering that costs you more than one day: a family boundaries worksheet, one-sentence scripts for the questions and comments you dread, an exit plan, pocket cards, a page for the day after, and bonus Family Dinner Bingo. It won't fix your family. It will give you a plan before you walk in the door.
WHEN TO USE
Use it the night before Thanksgiving, Christmas or any family event you're already dreading. Use it when you catch yourself rehearsing an explanation you don't owe anyone. Use it in the car afterward, when dinner's over but your body is still in the room.
HOW TO USE
Start with Before You Go: who'll be there, what you'll say if they bring it up, and what time you're leaving. Write your boundaries on the worksheet, then cut out the pocket cards so your lines are in your hand, not just your head. If it goes sideways, The Exit Plan is already done. After, use the Decompression Page to write down what happened and what your body did with it. That's your receipt. It's a 14-page fillable PDF in US Letter: type into it on your phone, tablet or computer, or print at 100% and write by hand.
Found out the hard way?
You don't have to sort it out alone. Join Red Flag Rehab, our new Facebook group.
