You already know how the holidays will go. You'll plan the meal, or at least make sure it happens. You'll remember who's not speaking to whom, who can't eat what, and which topics to steer away from at the table. You'll check on your mom, mediate between your siblings, and answer the "so when are you…" questions with a smile. Then you'll drive home exhausted, wondering why a season that's supposed to feel good leaves you so depleted. If you're the strong one in your family, holiday stress with family doesn't come from one big blowup. It's the weight of carrying everything, everyone, all at once, with no one noticing that you're carrying it. You're not ungrateful, and you're not doing the holidays wrong. Your body is responding to a real load.