In this episode, EG breaks down why the holidays can feel overwhelming — especially for survivors and anyone navigating complicated family dynamics, sensory overload, or old emotional patterns that surface this time of year. While the season is supposed to be “joyful,” many people feel pressure, exhaustion, and the weight of past experiences they don’t always talk about.

EG explores what actually sets people off during the holidays: disrupted routines, being pulled back into old roles, comments that hit too close, nostalgia, grief, and environments that trigger the nervous system. She explains why this season often feels different for survivors and what supportive, non-fixing care looks like from allies.

The episode wraps with practical tools for protecting your peace: small boundaries that work, leaving early without guilt, building in quiet time, choosing a safe person, and creating new traditions that match who you are now.

If the holidays feel heavy, overstimulating, or emotionally complicated, this conversation will help you feel grounded and seen.

Key Themes: holiday stress, trauma responses, boundaries, emotional safety, survivor support, family dynamics, nervous system regulation, new traditions

Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses sexual violence. See the episode description for more information. Please take care of yourself when listening.

Lux Resources is a North Carolina-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence through providing legal resources. Survivors can access resources and legal aid for free on our website, www.luxresources.org.

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