By Lisa Manterfield
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the U.S. and, for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to it. We are bucking tradition this year and spending the day with good friends, including another childfree couple. Mr. Fab is cooking a decidedly nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner, so all I’ll have to do, aside from a few sous chef duties, is show up and have a good time.
I know for many of you, Thanksgiving might not be such a fun time. Traditionally, it’s a holiday when families gather, which might mean facing insensitive relatives and prying questions about children. It also marks the beginning of what can often be the most difficult time of the year, with social gatherings, kid-oriented activities, and constant reminders of the many ways we don’t get to celebrate the holidays.
I love that this community includes new readers and seasoned pros, so let’s help one another out this year by sharing ideas on getting through the season with our hearts intact.
What are some of the issues you know you’ll face this holiday season? What events are you dreading? What’s going to be hardest for you?
And perhaps most important of all, how to do plan to get through the season with minimum emotional damage?
For more tips, inspiration, and support, check out the Life Without Baby Holiday Companion, available now at Amazon.com and in PDF format at Gumroad.
kristine says
On top of everything that Lisa mentioned, this is also the time of year that I had my first pregnancy and miscarriage, so it’s loaded with emotion for my husband and me.
I try and keep things simple. I do most of my shopping online so I don’t have to see strollers and the never ending line of beautiful babies and parents waiting to see Santa (something I will never get to do!).
We take out own car to family functions so we can leave when we want. Go late, leave early because one of us will have to work the next day (even if it’s not true and we are just hiding out at home – this gives us an excuse to leave).
We try and do a “night away” at a nice hotel near the beach even though it’s freezing outside (I live in New Jersey, USA) right before Christmas, it’s always empty and I find peace near the ocean.
I cry when I need to cry – I think this is a really important one.
I try and remember that I have an amazing family and they are there to support me if I feel down.(Yes, I know how incredibly lucky I am!!!)
I also know that the holidays WILL END at some point – and when all else fails, open a bottle of wine! (or egg nog!)
XOXO – Kristine