Thank you for sharing these deeply personal reflections and beautiful ways to give yourself care. Wishing you and everyone moments of comfort and peace, especially on the hard days.
Thanks so much for sharing this. I rarely read anything about coping with the holidays but I'm really glad I opened your piece today.
My step-dad passed a decade ago and family holiday traditions ended pretty abruptly following his death. Gatherings spent with strangers or friends or partners' families after that were so tough. Your perspective gave me so much compassion for that oft ignored part of myself that just felt the need to grieve.
This year I'm staying home to continue resting and recovering from surgery. I'm not sure exactly what I'll get up to, but that feels right and peaceful for this year.
Thanks again - I hope you have a wonderful trip with enough room to honor the wounding.
Thank you Po. I'm sorry for your loss, and can relate to how it collapses the norms of holiday traditions. I hope you're having a restful Winter break, and that you've been able to take good care of yourself. 💕
I've fulfilled most of my Christmas obligations, and now it's time for me. I'm curled up on the couch with two cats and a cookbook, ready for the deep rest I've been craving.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I really appreciate them 💕
P.S. I've just discovered your newsletter through this comment, and love what you do. I've subscribed and am looking forward and look forward to reading more from you in my inbox! I might submit something for your consideration in 2025 too.
As you said, "I had myself." Who better, right? Thanks so much for this, Clare. I've spent many Christmases alone. Sometimes I'd come down with a cold—hmmm... I enjoy being with friends who are like family, but going somewhere just to go somewhere isn't fun for me. So, alone doesn't scare me. I'm with you. Let's rest now! Happy New Year!
Thank you Jan 💕 I hope you got a little respite over the festive season, doing whatever it is that feels restorative for you. I'm writing from my couch wearing sweatpants and watching a candle flame dance aka my version of heaven. Wishing you a wonderful 2025 - I so appreciate your being here 💕
I relate to the fury, though as time has passed it has mellowed into something closer to compassion. Christmas is hard for a lot of us, and we were all doing our best. But in the moment, I was crushed. And I appreciate knowing that it enraged you too. That solidarity means a lot. (Also, the meatballs were incredibly delicious so they missed out in a lot of different ways!)
Thank you for sharing these deeply personal reflections and beautiful ways to give yourself care. Wishing you and everyone moments of comfort and peace, especially on the hard days.
Thank you Stephaine.
I've held these kind words close through the festive period. Thank you 💕
Thanks so much for sharing this. I rarely read anything about coping with the holidays but I'm really glad I opened your piece today.
My step-dad passed a decade ago and family holiday traditions ended pretty abruptly following his death. Gatherings spent with strangers or friends or partners' families after that were so tough. Your perspective gave me so much compassion for that oft ignored part of myself that just felt the need to grieve.
This year I'm staying home to continue resting and recovering from surgery. I'm not sure exactly what I'll get up to, but that feels right and peaceful for this year.
Thanks again - I hope you have a wonderful trip with enough room to honor the wounding.
Thank you Po. I'm sorry for your loss, and can relate to how it collapses the norms of holiday traditions. I hope you're having a restful Winter break, and that you've been able to take good care of yourself. 💕
I've fulfilled most of my Christmas obligations, and now it's time for me. I'm curled up on the couch with two cats and a cookbook, ready for the deep rest I've been craving.
Great piece. You captured what so many people feel at this time of year. Well done. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I really appreciate them 💕
P.S. I've just discovered your newsletter through this comment, and love what you do. I've subscribed and am looking forward and look forward to reading more from you in my inbox! I might submit something for your consideration in 2025 too.
Wonderful!!
As you said, "I had myself." Who better, right? Thanks so much for this, Clare. I've spent many Christmases alone. Sometimes I'd come down with a cold—hmmm... I enjoy being with friends who are like family, but going somewhere just to go somewhere isn't fun for me. So, alone doesn't scare me. I'm with you. Let's rest now! Happy New Year!
Thank you Jan 💕 I hope you got a little respite over the festive season, doing whatever it is that feels restorative for you. I'm writing from my couch wearing sweatpants and watching a candle flame dance aka my version of heaven. Wishing you a wonderful 2025 - I so appreciate your being here 💕
Wearing joggers here!!! And sitting with a cat. Food is next... Haha!
Sounds heavenly! Enjoy 💕
This was so beautiful and such a kind gift. Thank you for sharing it.
PS the FURY I feel towards those fucken meatball no shows of yours, I can’t even…
Thank you Em 💕
I relate to the fury, though as time has passed it has mellowed into something closer to compassion. Christmas is hard for a lot of us, and we were all doing our best. But in the moment, I was crushed. And I appreciate knowing that it enraged you too. That solidarity means a lot. (Also, the meatballs were incredibly delicious so they missed out in a lot of different ways!)