...or a 'I'm thinking of you' for those who don't like hugs.
I've been reading through a lot of the threads in this forum lately and I know that Christmas can be a really hard time of year for many people so I just wanted to tell everyone who is struggling that I care.
My own situation is history of severe childhood abuse, upsetting break from all family, raising two children on my own, have PTSD, anxiety, have attempted suicide in the past (before DCs) and used to self-harm. I haven't found any definitive answers on how to cope, or heal, or thrive, but - most of the time - I do find ways to enjoy life.
I don't like the run-up to Xmas at all, despite trying to make it 'magical' for my DCs: I get confusing memories of happy times within my abusive family, along with a great sense of loss of a safe childhood, and other loneliness, and also I always feel there's a mania about Xmas as everyone rushes around trying to get ready which doesn't agree with me at all! I know I'm not the only one feels this way.
From where I am, just wanted to reach out and hope all of you feeling as I do, that it's all rather a struggle, enjoy at least one part of each day for the next week or so and find some comfort and happiness somewhere too.