Years ago I had a sponsor tell me: Jules, the day after the 25th is the 26th. It is only a day, one day. I have Used that as my "mantra" for many holidays. Like all the little sayings in the program they work for me because they are so simple and easy to remember when I need them.
I also have spent many holidays in AA meeting halls with my "chosen family." I have excused myself from home for an hour to get in a better space and prevent me from becoming homicidal.
I have to work every year on having no expectations. The Holidays have never turned out to be what my mind thinks they should be. Some have been better then any expectation because I have stepped out of the "directors chair."
Any Holiday that ends with me being sober is truly a great holiday.