Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase

Its the Most Wonderful Time… Or is it?
The time of year is here my friends. When we are expected to leave our chosen feline fam to venture far out and deep into the woods and weeds…To travel long distance through bus, train, car rides or worse yet, past thecreeper TSA airport agents groping. (Gag me)

I Choose 1000 Cuts
Leaving the safety of our cats and engaging with the void of “humanity”. This is most challenging, if not impossible for me. And they say its the same for most neurodivergent folks. Some of us experience sound, smells, sensations differently. The sound of an uncle chewing. The smell of certain foods cooking. The triggers from old family wounds. Certain relatives who drink too much and continue to cause trauma. Certain relatives who don’t drink but sill love to cause conflict. Its too much. I’m feeling chaotic and panicked just writing about this. The crowds at the airport or even the constraint from a short car ride with family. Or alone. Some of us (hand raised) cant even drive a vehicle without experiencing a panic attack. Much alone ride in a car. Moreover, I cant even leave the house for longer than an hour at a time. Even a 5 minute public engagement can be so draining. Hell, Zoom meetings drain me after 5 minutes most times. Dealing with the public sucks. Dealing with crowds and family…..its much too much. A feat worse than 1000 cuts. I would much prefer the 1000 cuts than dealing with toxic narcissists who refuse to get therapy.

World’s Smallest Violin for Play for Myself
To make things worse, I have food trauma. Well, not really food trauma per se. I just have challenges eating with other people. For numerous reasons. Too many for this post. But mainly, the fact that I’ve been a vegetarian for close to 30 years. My family of origin refuses to this day to make any concessions for my diet. Unless by chance one of their own kids is going through a plant based fad of the year. Then, and only then, will they think of accommodating a non meat eater. “Just pick the meat out” they say. Like that is acceptable. Pure dysfunction and insanity.

And I Say No No No No….I Don’t Ringo No More
My way of coping with this in the past was drinking large amounts of alcohol. And breaking to chain smoke. Oh the good old days. I would also choose to not show up. And I did that a lot. Which I now regret because many family is no longer here. And my nieces and nephews are mostly grown. So that wasn’t the best way of coping. Plus I no longer smoke or drink.

Holy Eggnog Batman.

The holidays are here. Which means spending time away from your cats. With humans. From the fun and functioning to the dystopian dysfunction. Or occasionally, the “fun” in dysfunction. Though, it is okay to go at it with your chosen family. Your cats. Do your own “safe” celebrating. Like brushing your cat and watching Empire Strikes Back on autoplay. (I’ve been there).

Help Me Obi Wan or Wanda Yeah
Regardless, I’ve put together a list of essential survival must haves. If possible, learn skills and show up. Here are my tips….along with some personal recommendations for holiday survival. Cheers and Enjoy. But most of all SURVIVE!

Leave any recommendations, personal experiences, tips or feedback in the comments.

*****you are not alone. If you need help for the stress of handling the holidays. Help is available 24/7.*******
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7)
Please reach out https://www.nami.org/your-journey/kids-teens-and-young-adults/young-adults/how-to-seek-help/#:~:text=Contact%20the%20NAMI%20HelpLine%20at,org%20for%20guidance%20and%20support

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Amazon Music 3 months free. Make sure and have your playlist ready. Works with your Alexa devices as well. I play classical on continuous loop. Helps every time. https://amzn.to/4gRRo9o

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents Paperback – June 1, 2015
by Lindsay C. Gibson
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The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics)
by Sun Tzu 
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Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones, Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones with Mic
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Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian – Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphon
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Pyrex Deep 3-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set (9″x13″, 7″x11″, 8″x8″) With BPA-Free Lids
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Amazon Prime Video free trial (in case you decide to stay home and comfort stream your favorite movie. Or if you are traveling and need to download some for the trip)
https://www.amazon.com/b?node=2858778011&linkCode=ll2&tag=vadergrrrl-20&linkId=0c1234ec723a45b9c84c86cd6c1875d0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Tupperware Heritage Collection 7.6 Cup Cookie Caniste
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yescool 20lbs Pink Grey Weighted Blanket for Adults 60″x80″, Cooling, Heavy, Breathable with Glass Beads, Queen Size, Machine Washable
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SNOOZ Pro – Smart White Noise Machine & Travel Case – Real Fan Inside, Non-Looping White N
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Amazon Echo Dot (newest model)
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Himalayan Singing Bowls 9 hours on Prime
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Disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.