EP 7: Holiday Drama, Traditions, and Boundaries: Surviving Toxicity During the Holidays

So What Now? with Carla and Dex

This week Carla and Dex dive into the chaos and comedy of navigating toxic family traditions during the holidays. From Carla’s journey of estrangement and her search for new holiday magic with friends to Dex’s big family and the pressure to make everything “perfect,” they share hilarious and heartfelt insights on surviving family dysfunction. Carla reflects on the bittersweet loss of old traditions while creating new ones, and Dex opens up about her childhood trauma (cue the villain origin story—spoiler: it’s all about that Barbie Dream House). The duo also tackles how to deal with negative family members and offers tips on carving out your own healthy, joyful holiday traditions. Tune in for humor, honesty, and some solid advice that might just help you survive this holiday season with your sanity—and maybe a little magic—intact.

SO WHAT NOW? TAKEAWAYS

Create Your Own Traditions: Whether you're estranged from family or just tired of the same old drama, it's okay to let go of toxic traditions and create new ones that bring you joy—whether that’s with friends, chosen family, or just on your own. You deserve a holiday that feels good to you.

Set Boundaries with Toxic Family Members: The holidays don't have to mean enduring negativity from relatives. Learn how to politely (but firmly) set boundaries with family members who bring drama, and how to protect your mental health without feeling guilty.

Make Holiday Magic for You: It's easy to get caught up in the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday for others, especially when you have a big family. Take a page from Dex’s playbook and find small, healthy traditions that keep the holiday spirit alive for you—and leave the stress behind.

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CARLA WILMARIS | DEX

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