how do I get through this?

[Tryingtomoveforward]

it’s December 1st how do I get through this time of year? What’s helping others?

[Freedom_Unity_Love Volunteer]

Hello dearest, I am saddened to read that December is not bringing happiness and joyful thoughts. I do hope you have family and friends around you, who are there to comfort and offer support, when needed.

This is my favourite time of year; as a Norwegian, Jul, is all about tradition, "hygge", cosiness and lots of red decorations to bring warmth to our homes. My decorations were up mid November, and it gives much comfort and happiness, to be surrounded by all that I have collected over the years.

There is so much to be thankful for at this time of year. Although, there are economic challenges for so many, we are so much more fortunate than many who have nothing. This stark reality ensures I do not feel sorry for myself, whatever I perceive as being my misfortunes, I am still so much more fortunate than those who are persecuted, suffering wars, discrimination, hate crimes, hunger and displacement.. and on and on.

I hope you can count your blessings too throughout these coming days, and find the joy in being with loved ones, doing kind acts for others and enjoying the moments. Life is what we make it, and I am sure you want happiness, peace and freedom from suffering.

You are in my thoughts and I wish you a wonderful weekend, K.

[hertsmeets Volunteer]

Hi, I completely understand how you feel, it seems to be such a time where people go on about their families and don't recognise that we have experienced a significant loss, and that some of us don't have families we can go to.

You're absolutely not alone. I think many of us in the childless community can recognise these feelings.

I also have feelings of sadness that come and go. I think the important thing is to look after yourself, treat yourself kindly, reach out to other childless not by choice people who understand, such as on this site and we also have a private Facebook MTL group that is quite active if you'd like to join that.

I can also highly recommend the Lighthouse Women community (gateway-women.com/) and World Childless Week (worldchildlessweek.net/our-..., where there is a variety of support available, including webinars. Lighthouse Women will have support offered over Christmas too.

The Full Stop Podcast is also very useful, with a variety of topics, by 3 childless not by choice presenters. This one focuses on Christmas and how to manage during the holidays.

thefullstoppod.com/listen/e...

Another helpful video on Gateway Women: 'Reclaiming the childless holidays' - focused around Christmas - gateway-women.com/reclaimin...

Please reach out whenever you need. Kind wishes.