The holiday season arrives promising cozy joy and unconditional love, but if you’re anything like us, your reality often includes a generous side of holiday stress, old triggers, and the weight of expectations.
We’re not talking about stressing over burnt pies; we’re talking about the deep-seated tension that arises when you’re forced back into old family dynamics.
Recently, I was binge-watching Wayward (what a show, right?!) and it got me thinking: nearly all of us are walking around with lingering threads of childhood trauma. This isn't about blaming or bashing your parents; it’s about acknowledging how easily stepping into a childhood home or being around certain people can subconsciously revert you to an older, more vulnerable version of yourself. Suddenly, you’re not the empowered adult you are today; you’re the kid who felt unseen, judged, or less-than, making you react, not respond.
This is where The Love U Collective steps in.
You cannot control your relatives, but you can control your energetic space and how you respond to triggers. This isn't about avoiding family; it's about learning how to put on your holiday shield using your energy centers (chakras) and intentional rituals. It’s time to start prioritizing emotional wellness—because you deserve to feel safe in your own skin, especially now.
Chakra Ritual 1: The Grounding Block Ritual
The Root of the Matter: Fight or Flight
The moment you feel that familiar knot in your stomach, that desire to flee the room, or the impulse to snap back, you’re experiencing the Root Chakra's primal fight-or-flight response. This ancient mechanism is designed to protect you from perceived danger. The challenge is that a question about your career success registers the same as a sabertooth tiger lunging at you to your nervous system.
The Trigger: Feeling unstable, stressed, or suffocated by chaos, changes in routine, or overwhelming conversation. This means your energetic foundation is shaky, making feelings of insecurity and overwhelm easy to access.
The Solution: Root Chakra Focus (Muladhara)
The Wisdom: When your base is unstable, everything feels shaky and on edge. The Root Chakra is about security, survival, and grounding. We need practical, sensory Grounding rituals for holiday stress that connect us to the present moment and physical safety. This is how to use the Root Chakra for grounding when the emotional world spins. Learn more about the root chakra.
The Ritual Tool: Our "Comfy AF" Body Butter (infused with a grounding blend of Sage & Sandalwood).
The Ritual: This ritual is your energetic anchor. Before you leave the house, or while sitting in your car right before the event, apply a generous amount of the "Comfy AF" Body Butter to your feet and/or lower body. Take three deep breaths, focusing on the earthy scent. Let the intentional scent anchor you firmly in the present.
Affirmation:
I am safe. I am here now.
Chakra Strategy 2: The Boundary Boost Ritual
Reclaiming Your Space
Next up is the energetic center that handles your boundaries and confidence: the Solar Plexus. This is often where we feel the effects of the competition from family or the unsolicited advice that leaves us feeling drained and resentful. You can use this stress as an opportunity to reframe the narrative in your mind that makes you feel obligated and disempowered.
The Trigger: Feeling overwhelmed, drained, or unable to say "no" to obligations or demands. This includes pressure from comparison (you know, like the the grandkid question) and is a direct attack on your personal power. This is where we need better setting boundaries with family during holidays.
The Solution: Solar Plexus Chakra Focus (Manipura)
The Wisdom: The Solar Plexus is your core of personal power, confidence, and boundaries. When you feel triggered, you need to draw energy back in, not push it out defensively or submit. This is the inner sun that reminds you of your own light. Learn more about the Solar Plexus chakra.
The Ritual Tool: Our "Get Sh*t Done" Aura & Room Spray
The Ritual: Keep the spray in your bag as your invisible energetic shield. Step into the restroom or anywhere you can be alone for a brief, intentional break. Use the spray to clear the energy in your immediate space. Place your hand over your Solar Plexus (just above the belly button) while taking three deep, focused breaths. This simple act recenters your power.
Affirmation:
My power is internal. I choose my response.
Chakra Strategy 3: The Intuitive Check-In Ritual
Rising Above the Fray
The Third Eye is your inner observer—it allows you to view the situation without becoming the situation. When we're stressed, our thoughts scatter, our intuition gets muffled, and we are easily pulled into drama or gossip that leaves us feeling emotionally dirty.
The Trigger: Feeling disconnected from yourself in the moment, reacting out of old habit, or getting pulled into drama/gossip. This is a lack of perspective or clarity, a sign your inner knowing is offline.
The Solution: Third Eye Chakra Focus (Ajna)
The Wisdom: This chakra helps you see the bigger picture, understand the why behind your triggers, and keep your emotional distance. It's the difference between reacting to a relative’s jab and observing that the jab is just a reflection of their own pain. Learn more about the Third Eye chakra.
The Ritual Tool: Our "Enlightened Vibes" Intention Setting Oil and a 5-Minute Emotional Mapping.
The Ritual: When you take a deep breath to recenter, acknowledge how you’re feeling. Use your Intention Setting Oil by gently touching it to your Third Eye (between the brows) or wrists. Let the scent anchor you in your intention (e.g., “I intend to observe rather than react.”). Later, take a moment for emotional mapping—a quick journal note to process why you were triggered and how you can better respond next time. This is key to chakra healing for family trauma. Check out our chakra workbook to help you tune into your emotional energy.
The Return to Self (The Post-Game Ritual)
Your peace is your priority. But the emotional residue of a tense gathering can linger, leading to an energetic hangover. The final step of the holiday shield is the most crucial act of self care for emotional support.
The Ultimate Self-Love Recovery
The night you return home, commit to a Full Body Energy Cleanse. This is the moment for retention and holistic well-being.
- The Cleanse: Take a hot bath or shower and use our Comfy AF Cleansing Sugar Scrub to literally scrub away the day, the others' energy, and the emotional debris.
- The Intention: Follow up with the intentional application of our nourishing Body Oil or light a Body Oil Candle to set the vibe and seal in your own clean, clear energy. Use this time to thank yourself for showing up for yourself.
Your biggest act of self-love this season is setting boundaries. Which ritual are you putting on your holiday checklist first?
Ready to build your shield? Shop the ritual tools you need to protect your peace during the holidays, and check out our services for deeper emotional mapping work.
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