This video explores why being around family feels so exhausting during the holidays, especially for adult children of emotionally immature parents. We talk about holiday family stress, emotional exhaustion, and healing.

If your stomach tightens when the group text comes through…
If you feel drained before you even arrive…
If you’re not mad, just done…
This episode is for you. 💛

For those raised in emotional immaturity, chaos, or addiction, the holidays don’t just bring memories —
they bring roles.

Today we’re talking about:
• why “nothing terrible is happening” can still feel unbearable
• how your body stops calling steady tension “normal”
• why healing can make family gatherings feel harder at first
• the grief that shows up when hope starts to change shape
• practical ways to protect your energy without over-explaining
• how to get through the season without losing parts of yourself

You didn’t lose tolerance.
You gained self-respect.

Watch Next:
'That guilt when you say “no” & here’s what’s really happening' → https://youtu.be/e_umz5MfZ5Y
'What Happens When You Become Your Family's Cycle Breaker' → https://youtu.be/UQuw9pgf03E

Each film is a soft place to land — cinematic truth-telling for cycle-breakers, deep feelers, and anyone healing from the inside out.

Subscribe:
New cinematic healing films →   @thecanariesinthecoalmine  

If you want to support my work:
• Explore the Canary Book Nook → https://amzn.to/4fzi6Eu
• Share this film with someone who needs it
• Subscribe, like, and comment — your engagement helps this work reach more people

Free Resources (for your journey):
Canary Love Notes → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/c6ivxhp4ti

Vagus Nerve Reset Guide → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/4qzfwvxxp7

7 Tools for Sensitive Souls → https://mailchi.mp/7d6d2342bb0b/the-canarys-survival-guide

The Guilt-Free No – 1-Page Starter → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com/82zbqakphl

Find Us Online:
Website → https://www.thecanariesinthecoalmine.com

Podcast → Canaries in the Coal Mine (Spotify / Apple / Amazon)

Book Nook → https://amzn.to/4fzi6Eu

Community Question:
What part of the holidays drains you the most: the build-up, the visit, or the aftermath?
And what helps you stay connected to yourself when old family roles show up?
Share below — your words might be the thing that helps someone else breathe. 💛

Sponsorship Disclosure:
This episode is not sponsored. Affiliate links help support this channel at no additional cost to you.

Timecodes:
0:00 - Introduction
0:36 - When the Shift Comes Quietly
2:09 - Why Being Around Family Feels Different Now
7:43 - How to Stay With Yourself Through It
9:57 - The Grief that Comes with Growth

#HolidayStress #FamilyTriggers #EmotionalExhaustion #CycleBreaker #TraumaHealing #CPTSDRecovery #AdultChildrenOfAlcoholics #Boundaries #NervousSystem

About This Channel:
A cinematic space for cycle-breakers, deep feelers, and truth-tellers.
We aren’t “too much” - we’re wired for honesty, healing, and connection.
New episodes every other Tuesday at 1 PM ET, plus podcast uploads.

Educational Disclaimer:
This content is for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not therapy or medical advice.