Navigating the holidays are always so needlessly difficult because whether

Struggling Help
#1

Navigating the holidays are always so needlessly difficult because whether than experiencing “normal stressors” such as having enough food for everyone to eat or if loved ones will be able to attend gatherings, it’s always concern with facing threats of homelessness or if I’ll have to defend myself against abusive relatives because I’m confined to an unsafe environment.

I was supposed to work but called out because I’m mentally and physically not in a well enough head space to function, but having to dip out not even completing my self care routine has me feeling like I woke up the wrong side of the bed. Holidays have never been the safe for me; my safety’s already compromised but it’s twice as much endangered come winter.

While I’m not having a good holiday, I’d appreciate if someone could share some fun things they do with their families and loved ones to help lift my spirits.

4 Likes
#2

We cooked seafood bake delight, which is very simple and yummy.

1 Like
#3

We’ve had a super untraditional year, and hence an untraditional Thanksgiving. My kids agreed that they all wanted: Homemade donuts for breakfast, French bread, cheesy potato soup, and autumn salad for main meal, and cinnamon rolls for dessert.
They agreed, so I made it. Some years a pause is good. To take time to reset and decide what traditions hold real value and are missed and what ones just became habit.

2 Likes
#4

That sounds great although I’ve never heard of anyone baking seafood before, interesting. Sounds good either way!

1 Like
#5

I’ll admit that’s very untraditional but it sounds so good nonetheless, I hope you guys are enjoying! It made me hungry but I just finished a wake-up-wrap, munchkins, a coffee roll and French vanilla coffee from Dunkin Donuts! :joy:

1 Like
#6

I had a traditional thanksgiving meal with my kids and their significant others. Each year we agree to all dress our best and look sharp at the dinner table. We go around the table one at a time and say what we are grateful for.

2 Likes
#7

I have no family in Texas so I go to my best friends family functions, they have adopted me into the family there so it’s nice to still have that family feel. We did traditional and everything was delicious.

1 Like
#8

Everyone Happy Everyday! Thanks for sharing🙏
I ditched the painful relatives and cooked fish, shrimp & lobster tacos for my aging mother, young nephew and a good friend. Simply a lovely day!
I refuse to be around people that are toxic and a real joy to be around positive & sweet people.
Life is too short to subject myself to people that are negative. I don’t care if they’re family or not.
My emotional sobriety is my priority.

1 Like
#9

This comment brought a huge smile to my face, thank you and everyone so much for sharing. I’m very much estranged from all of my relatives, especially the immediate ones. For the time being I have to remain in contact with the worst one but I’m working hard to go no contact in the near future. I hope you had a safe and awesome holiday with the loved ones who are supportive and appreciative of you as a person.:heart:

#10

Sounds like you had a pretty okay holiday, I love to hear it! I’ve disowned and have been estranged from my relatives since 10. Anyone I call family today are chosen. Hope you all had a lovely time together nonetheless! :heart:

1 Like
#11

I went rock climbing and camping with friends :slight_smile: my family said it was OK to miss the Thanksgiving meal since it was just super small & insignificant this year. Not a large gathering at all. So my dad said, if rock climbing brings me joy, then go for it! So that’s what I did and it was awesome!

1 Like
#12

Man I wish I could give you a hug and tell you that it’s all going to work itself out and it will. You just have to keep fighting the good fight of faith, and believing that Jesus is with you always.
He will never allow anyone to go through more than what they are capable of handling at that moment. I know that it may feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, but give some of it over to your higher power brother let him help you through this difficult time and you will see that of you fight the fights that need fighting here…. God will take care of those big ones for you later on!!! That I can promise

1 Like
#13

I could have driven to a family gathering, but chose to camp out with a coworker. Usually there are 30 plus humans and half that many critters at family events. I needed some solitude and serenity to work through some grief space.

I was social in a unique way. Took a risk and showed up at a RV parks community potluck. It was a kind invite since we were unknown to anyone. My friend and I ended up really enjoying the few hours we spent visiting. think we have a new friendships from the day. Felt quite comfortable. And the laughter was nice to around.

Sending my best wishes to you as you manage the uos and downs of the day.

1 Like
#14

I’m sorry to hear that, you’re never alone here! You have all of us :blush:

1 Like