By CSVANW

The holiday season can hold many emotions at once: joy, reflection, overwhelm, grief, hope, and everything in between. For many of our Native relatives, this time of year can also bring reminders of loss, trauma, family conflict, or the ongoing impacts of violence. At the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), we honor these truths. We know that healing is not linear, and that each relative deserves safety, dignity, and compassion.

Our mission is to safeguard the rights of Native women and children, uplift survivors, and strengthen the collective power of our communities to end violence. Our vision is a future where every Native relative can celebrate in peace, surrounded by support, cultural grounding, and belonging. As we move through the holiday season, we offer these reminders and tools to help you care for yourself and your family in ways that honor your wellness and your own pace of healing.

Practice Everyday Self-Care

Give yourself permission to pause. Even a few minutes of grounding, deep breathing, a warm cup of tea, gentle stretching, prayer, or listening to music, can help regulate your body and spirit. Small acts of care nourish your resiliency and strengthen your ability to move through difficult moments.

Be Gentle with Yourself

The holidays can bring pressure and expectations that feel heavy. Notice the language you use with yourself. When negative self-talk arises, replace it with compassion. Healing is a process, and you deserve patience, tenderness, and understanding, especially from yourself.

Release Guilt and Doubt

You are allowed to honor your needs. You are not responsible for others’ reactions, moods, or expectations. If guilt or self-doubt shows up during the holidays, remind yourself: choosing your well-being is not selfish, it is protective, sacred, and necessary.

Reach Out to Trusted People

Connection is medicine. Lean on the people who uplift you: family, friends, Elders, community members, or those who remind you that you’re not alone. Talking with someone you trust can ease stress, offer grounding, and bring comfort.

Seek Professional Support When Needed

If you feel overwhelmed, triggered, or unsafe, know that reaching out for support is a courageous act. Advocates, counselors, and mental health professionals can walk alongside you, offering tools that honor your healing journey. You deserve access to care that affirms your identity, culture, and experience.

Set Boundaries That Protect Your Peace

Your emotional space matters. It is healthy and powerful to say “no” to events, conversations, or environments that cause distress. Boundaries are a form of self-respect and an act of love for yourself and your family.

Create or Adapt Traditions That Feel Safe

Traditions don’t have to stay the same. It is okay to release old customs and build new ones rooted in safety, comfort, and joy. Whether you choose quiet reflection, cultural practices, time outdoors, or simple family activities, create rituals that support your heart.

You Deserve Peace During This Season

Taking care of yourself during the holidays is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength, sovereignty, and self-respect. When you care for your own well-being, you are also nurturing the safety of your family, your community, and future generations.

At CSVANW, we walk with you. We believe in your healing. We believe in your power. And we believe that every Native relative deserves to experience this season with safety, cultural connection, and joy on their own terms.

If you or someone you know needs support, our community of advocates and partners is here. You are not alone.

Please visit our Advocate Corner webpage for resources and services: https://csvanw.org/advocate-corner/

As a tribal coalition, CSVANW does not provide emergency or direct services. If you are in an unsafe situation or need immediate assistance please dial 911.

For a safe, confidential way to talk with someone right now, please call:
Rape Abuse Incest National Network: 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) www.rainn.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) www.ndvh.org
Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483 www.strongheartshelpline.org