As the holiday season approaches, there is a lot for Americans to be excited about.
The Pfizer vaccine has been approved for kids aged 5 through 11.
Booster shots are shoring up the immune defenses of vaccinated adults.
Verywell / Bailey Mariner & Joshua Seong
The Delta wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has fallen from its late-summer highs.
Sporting events are reaching full capacity.
Marvel movies are coming out again.
In short, things are starting to feel a bit more comfortable, if not entirely normal.
Americans are excited to be together again, but the process won’t be stress-free.
The most common concern is financiala stressor we have been tracking for months.
Other COVID-adjacent concerns continue to linger as well.
Are American Families Gearing Up for a Fight?
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that 69% of Americans come intoconflictwith loved ones during the holidays.
Family members are often the people we know best, and who know us best.
In a large enough family, chances are that some members are unvaccinated.
If we’re worried about our family members, the holidays may serve as a reminder of these struggles.
And if you are hosting, be clear with your guests about your expectations.
This will allow them time to make other plans or to get vaccinated if they so choose.
Additionally, you might compromise and allow anyone to come if they can present a negative COVID test.
Be Open, Honest, and Empathetic
A lot of Americans have really struggled during the pandemic.
There’s a good chance that’s true of multiple people you’ll see over the holidays.
Don’t be afraid to open up to your loved ones.
Let them in on some of your own struggles, andlisten to themas they share theirs.
Maybe you’ll pick up a few new ideas for your own mental health.
The survey is fielded online, beginning April 28, 2021, to 4,000 adults living in the U.S.
The total sample matches U.S. Census estimates for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region.
