How do you survive a toxic family that will surely ruin your enjoyment during the holidays? Do you keep quiet and take it all in order not to disturb the peace and festivities, or do you confront them and yell at them for their nonsense? To say the least, spending the holidays with a toxic family is challenging.

“People will always notice the change in your attitude towards them. But they will never notice that it was their behavior that made you change.”

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and lets face it: It’s time for those special family gatherings. No matter how much we love it or hate it, we have to be a part of it.

Each of us has relatives in our lives who add nothing but negativity. But what can be done? We can’t banish family behavior and we can’t avoid these gatherings either.

Toxic family members and their toxicity affect us, and these groupings often become traumatic for us. Some of us hate attending these family gatherings because of these people.

But this time, let’s not run away from them. Instead of missing out on the fun and joy, we should be there for gatherings and prepare ourselves not to be affected by the negativity of these family members. So, what should you do when it comes to dealing with a toxic family during the holidays and how can you deal with a toxic family during the holidays?

8 Tips for surviving a toxic family

1. You need to understand that your happiness is in your hands.
   If you are wondering how to survive a toxic family, this is the most important thing you should keep in mind. One of the traits of these types of family members is making you feel bad about yourself. They will not leave an inch to comment on your life and make you question your own actions.

But as long as you are happy with yourself, what is the point of listening to them? You don’t need validation to be happy. right?

2. Don’t get into fights.
   Relatives who do not take care of you in good faith will provoke you to get into fights with them. avoid it. If they are saying some bad things about you, just ignore them.

They will not necessarily engage in physical abuse. Even if they do, there will be others around you and their true colors will be revealed.

They will do their best to pit you down. Just remember, no matter how much damage it does to you, you must never start fighting. If you start fighting you will be cast in a bad light and that is what they want.

Related: The Narcissist Silent Treatment: Why The Narcissists Use Toxic Silence To Manipulate Their Victims

3. Ignore them.
   This is one of the best tips for dealing with toxic family members. One of the best policies to get away from negative people is to ignore them. Don’t waste your time and energy thinking about the rubbish they post about you.

You know what you are. Your actions and actions are there to speak for you. Don’t let their negativity affect your mood.

4. Proper planning.
   Ensure proper planning before indulging in the pool. Keep a list of things to do with the people you love.

Do not include toxic family members in your list. You are now sorted. You will meet them with others but you will have other things to do.

5. Do not expect from others.
   How to Survive a Toxic Family: Don’t have any expectations from them. Even if they are family, don’t expect anything sweet or nice from them. People with negative emotions usually pretend a lot and pretend to change but in reality, they don’t.

Being a family member doesn’t mean it will be good for you. So, don’t expect that. If it’s good for you, there’s nothing like it. Don’t feel bad if it’s not good. Learn to live with yourself and be happy about it.

6. Set your limits.
   You may be going through a bad phase in your life but you don’t need to share that with everyone. Set your boundaries and disclose your secrets, vulnerabilities, and vulnerabilities to the ones you can truly trust.

Don’t let everyone interfere in your life. This will protect you from getting used to toxic family members.

7. Always appreciate and give.
   Forgiveness is hard to give and the holidays are the best time for it. Always appreciate the positive in your family members, be gentle, and forgive them if they have offended you.

But remember that forgiving does not mean allowing them into your life. Keep your distance but don’t cherish negative feelings about them.

8. Give yourself time to heal.
   It is normal to be hurt by the negativity of some family members. Give yourself time to recover. No one told you that you need to be best friends with them.

Take your time, allow yourself to deal with your pain, and then work toward a peaceful mind and soul. Don’t let bad people control you or your thoughts and happiness.

Related: To Every Girl Who Has Ever Lost Herself To A Narcissistic Man

Be happy for those you love and those who love you. Family gatherings are the best time when you can enjoy yourself without worrying about anything else.

If you can deal with the negativity of toxic family members, you will be completely fine. Good luck and happy holidays!