In the moment it's important to find ways to be off on your own during this time. If you flew there, rent a car and be mobile--your sanity is worth it. There are always films to be seen!


But longer term, the best advice former T gave me was to not let me remain stuck in believing that I had no choice. There is always a choice. There are consequences for any choice, but that it was within my power to choose and then plan how to accept those consequences.

I worked hard to recreate the holidays for myself, make my own traditions, which allowed me to not only break the toxic bonds, but enjoy the holidays--on my terms.