Lonely at Christmas

[GettingThere]

This will be my 3rd Christmas in a row with no family. It isn't safe for me to be around them and I'm very grateful for my life now, but it's still hard to get through this time of year with no family or partner. Any advice from folks who have gone through the same thing?

[TheBigBlue]

Hi GettingThere, You're not alone in this. This will be only my second Christmas in 57 years that I won't spend with my family, and even knowing it's safer this way, it still carries weight.

I'm grateful I'll have a CBT session tomorrow morning (24th) that feels like a real anchor for me. After that it'll be simple, gentle things: my service dog, movies, the dog park, letting myself eat what I actually feel like for a few days, and not asking more of myself than I can give. Then back to therapy on Monday.

I don't have advice, just solidarity. It's okay to be grateful and sad at the same time. This season can be hard even when we've made the right choices for ourselves. 💛

[GettingThere]

Thanks so much Big Blue. It helps to know I'm not alone. I hope you have the best holiday you can and I'm so glad therapy is an anchor for you and that you'll be able to eat the food you enjoy and spend time with your dog <3