Alison Brie has revealed how she and her husband, Dave Franco, navigate the challenges of holiday gatherings with their families. In a recent interview with People, the actress emphasized the importance of mutual support and understanding during this often stressful season.
Brie, aged 42, explained that the holidays can be both beautiful and overwhelming. “The holidays are about family in a way that is beautiful, but can also be a little stressful,” she stated. She believes that couples should act as allies, recognizing the unique dynamics of each other’s families without passing judgment.
The couple, who first met in 2011 while celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, married in 2017 and currently do not have children. Brie noted that a happy marriage during the holiday season hinges on acknowledging the quirks of each family. “I think the key to a happy marriage during the holiday season is being able to acknowledge privately, together, all the quirks of each other’s families with no judgment,” she said.
Brie also highlighted the importance of “venting” with one another, suggesting that there is “more acceptance and a lot of love” in sharing frustrations. To alleviate the stress of holiday shopping, the couple adopts a “divide and conquer” strategy. “I will do the shopping for my family. He will do the shopping for his family, and the gifts are given from both of us,” she explained.
Their commitment to supporting each other is evident beyond the holiday season. Franco shared in an interview with Marie Claire that they make it a habit to send each other a “mini love letter” each night when they are apart. “It really makes you focus on the other person and let them know in a unique way, every single night, how much they mean to you,” he said.
The stress of holiday gatherings is not uncommon, according to psychologists. In a 2019 article from Business Insider, experts noted that the intensity of holiday experiences can heighten emotions and interactions. Paraskevi Noulas, a psychologist at NYU Langone, explained, “Overall, there’s an intensity to the experience that we don’t typically have in our day-to-day lives.”
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, including changes in testosterone and cortisol levels, can contribute to heightened stress. Robin Edelstein, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, indicated that factors such as travel-related stress may exacerbate these changes.
To manage holiday stress effectively, psychologists recommend prioritizing self-care. This includes ensuring sufficient sleep, maintaining physical activity, and taking time for relaxation. By following these strategies, couples like Brie and Franco can create a positive and supportive environment during a season that is both joyous and challenging.
