12/29/2025
Growing up as the family scapegoat often meant having emotions and needs pathologized, dismissed, or rejected. To cope, many people learned to swallow their anger just to survive. But that anger doesn’t disappear, it waits, then bursts out in ways that can feel “too much” for the situation.
During the holiday season, this can become even more intense. Family gatherings, old dynamics, pressure to “keep the peace,” and being pulled back into roles that took great effort to outgrow can reactivate deep wounds. You may notice feeling angrier, more irritable, or more easily overwhelmed than usual. That doesn’t mean you’re broken, it means those old patterns are being triggered.
The truth is, anger itself isn’t bad. It’s normal, healthy, and a signal that something matters. Part of healing is learning to accept, trust, and harness anger so it becomes a guide instead of something to fear, especially during times like the holidays when boundaries are most needed.
Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. It reflects personal and professional observations and is not meant to be diagnostic or a replacement for therapy.
