Are We Really Fighting About the Christmas Ham?

Holidays are meant to be magical, but let’s be honest – they can also be a whirlwind of stress, unmet expectations, and arguments over things like... ham on napkins. Ever found yourself mid-fight during the holiday season, wondering, “What are we even fighting about?” This episode is for you.

As a therapist, I see this all the time in my sessions: couples bickering over seemingly small things that often hold deeper meaning. Today, I’m unpacking what’s really behind those seemingly silly holiday fights and sharing practical ways to handle them with curiosity and connection.

We’ll explore why the conflict isn’t really about the napkins or the ham, but what they represent – memories, traditions, or unmet needs. So, whether you’re dealing with family chaos, mismatched holiday vibes, or just the general holiday rush, I’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Why holiday fights are rarely about what they seem – and how to figure out what’s really going on.
• The importance of understanding your partner’s holiday traditions and what they mean to them.
• How to approach disagreements with curiosity rather than conflict.
• Tips for validating your partner’s feelings (even if you don’t agree!).
• Why compromise is healthy – and how to do it without dismissing each other’s needs.
• How to start meaningful conversations about celebrating holidays together.
• The power of acknowledging sadness when things don’t go as planned.

Resources:

• Well, Hello Anxiety Podcast: My conversation with Jodi Richardson where we chatted about mismatched holiday vibes, setting boundaries, and handling family chaos. Listen here.
• Christmas holiday boundaries blog   – Additional tips and articles on holiday stress and relationship dynamics.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave a review and subscribe for more conversations on navigating life and relationships. Let’s keep the conversation going on social media – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Ready to hit reset on your relationship? Join me for a workshop packed with practical tools and guided prompts to help you and your partner communicate better, tackle tricky topics like money, and create a clear plan for the year ahead. 

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https://marievakakis.com.au/events/