Family holidays are supposed to be joyful — but for many of us, they’re complicated, emotional, and sometimes exhausting.

In this episode of Prescribing a Healthier Future, Dr. Akilah Webber Pearson sits down with her cousins for a deeply honest conversation about what family gatherings are really like behind the scenes. From generational differences and unspoken tensions to traditions, boundaries, and unconditional love, this episode explores why family dynamics can be so challenging — and why they still matter.

Whether you’re navigating holiday stress, dreading uncomfortable conversations, or trying to protect your peace while staying connected, this episode offers real-life insight, practical wisdom, and reassurance that you’re not alone.

This conversation covers:

• Why family holidays feel emotionally heavy
  
  
• How generations clash around values, boundaries, and traditions
  
  
• Navigating conflict without walking away forever
  
  
• What “chosen family” really means

Don’t forgive to follow and subscribe.

Some notable moments from this episode:

00:00 – Why family holidays feel harder than they look

02:30 – The reality behind “perfect” family gatherings

06:45 – Generational traditions and where they come from

10:20 – Family conflict: words that hurt and how people heal

14:30 – How family prepares you for the real world

17:00 – When blood family isn’t your safe place

19:00 – Chosen family and expanding the definition of home

22:00 – Generational clashes: alcohol, boundaries, and change

25:10 – Loving people without agreeing with them

28:30 – Respecting elders while honoring who you are

32:45 – Teaching the next generation respect and connection

36:10 – How to keep family traditions alive

41:00 – Social media, distance, and staying connected

45:45 – Favorite family memories and legacy

53:20 – Final reflections: showing up imperfectly still matters

#FamilyDynamics #HolidayStress #FamilyHealing #GenerationalTrauma #ChosenFamily #HolidayBoundaries #FamilyTraditions #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyRelationships #PrescribingAHealthierFuture