Dreading the Holiday Season

[Angelabdc]

Christmas, New Year and all the associated holidays are coming up and every reminder fills me with dread. My husband died last February and as well as this being our first year without him I'm already mentally marking all the things we did in the run up to it. There is absolutely no escape; for Father's and Mother's Day there are those (useless) emails to opt out of updates. But there is no equivalent for Christmas. People at work and friends are starting to talk about plans between themselves, they are not being insensitive I'm sure I'd be exactly the same. In fact I've heard some of my pals want to tempt me out for a New Year Party- I just want to hide in my bed, possibly with some old episodes of Friends or Grey's Anatomy to watch. My son (25) and me do want to catch up with some friends and family- just without tinsel and prosecco if possible. How are you all feeling about this? Do you have any strategies to deal with the heartache.

My friend is in a similar position. Her strategy is to refuse invitations but invite friends round for coffee/mincepies leaving her in control and not being overwhelmed with other people's decorations and hyper kids etc.

She has also purchased a few activity type advent calendars related to her crafting hobbies to give her something to look forward to each day and then hopefully take up a few hours each evening using the item.

E.g she has purchased a watercolour painting advent calendar where you add a design each day. Another she mentioned was yarn so she can spent an hour or so knitting to pass the time.

For your work colleagues, could you maybe send them an email explaining you are finding the season difficult and you appreciate them trying to help but its too much this year but you do wish them a nice festive season.