On today’s show, host Dana Pellebon is joined by April Kigeya to swap tips about how to survive the stress of the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a large party at your home or visiting family or friends, you can still practice self care and set boundaries. 

They talk about one of the most common issues people face around a family meal: managing differences of opinion. Kigeya recommends avoiding people who stress you out, finding a buddy, and making the kids the focus of the conversation. Pellebon says you don’t have to treat every moment as a confrontation. She also recommends taking a deep breath, stepping outside, and blaming menopause. They both say that it’s important to take a break from social media at this time of year.

Kigeya says it’s easy to ignore your own needs when you’re wrapped up in caring for everyone else, especially for Black women. But she’s started being more vulnerable and honest about her mental health struggles with her friends and family. And in her new book, Couch Confessions: The Chronicles of a Black Woman in Therapy, she narrates her own journey in therapy. Both Pellebon and Kigeya recommend interviewing your therapist and telling your therapist what you want to get out of your time.

April Kigeya is a mother of four children and is the second Vice Chair of the Dane County Board. She has a passion for working with children and families, underrepresented communities, and those who can’t advocate for themselves. In 2020 April was named one of Wisconsin’s most influential Black leaders and was the first person of color to serve on the Middleton Police Commission, where she served as the Co-Chair from 2021-2022. She is currently attending Edgewood college where is a PhD candidate in Business Administration. She is also the author of Couch Confessions: The Chronicles of a Black Woman in Therapy.

Featured image of a broken Christmas ornament via Rawpixel.

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