Holiday Anxieties: A 90-Minute Writing Circle for Divorced/Co-Parenting

### Why this circle?

Holidays can be beautiful… and brutal. Especially when it’s not your turn to have the kids, when the house is too quiet, or when everyone else’s social feed is full of “perfect family” pictures.

This 90-minute Writing Circle is a soft, judgment-free space to:

• name what the holidays really feel like after divorce,
• process the grief that shows up on “off years,” and
• create a realistic plan for the actual day so you don’t spiral.

You don’t have to pretend you’re fine. You just have to show up.

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### What we’ll do (90 minutes)

0–10 min – Land + regulate
Gentle breath + nervous system reset for “this is not how I pictured it.”
10–25 min – Teach: Alone vs. Lonely (holiday edition)
Why quiet can help… and when it turns into ache.
We’ll talk about comparison, traditions that changed, and how to handle unhelpful comments.
25–45 min – Writing Round 1
Prompt: “What I wanted this holiday to look like… and what it actually looks like.”
Write in silence. No fixing. No judgment.
45–60 min – Optional sharing
Witnessed, not analyzed. Listeners only say: “Thank you.”
60–75 min – Writing Round 2
Prompt: “If I designed a holiday that honored me (not Instagram), it would include…”
We’ll build a Holiday Support Plan for off-years.
75–90 min – Close + Next Step
Choose 1–2 things to do on the actual day (call, walk, group, service, nature)

• 3 go-to responses for “Do you have the kids this year?”

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### You’ll leave with

• A Holiday Support Plan you can actually use
• 2–3 “I’m not discussing that” boundary lines
• A loneliness/day-of menu for when you wake up to a quiet house
• The reminder: you’re not the only mom not getting Christmas morning

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### Who it’s for

• Divorced / divorcing / co-parenting women
• Moms who don’t have the kids for a holiday this year
• Women who feel anxious about being alone when everyone else is celebrating
• Women who want to make the day gentler, not perfect

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### What to bring

Pen, journal or paper, water/tea, headphones if you can, and a comfy spot. Camera optional.

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### Notes

• Free / donation-based (your choice — suggested $44 if you’re able)
• Please cancel if you can’t attend—these rooms are small so everyone can share.
• Confidential, trauma-aware, zero judgment. Not therapy.

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Save your seat for November 13, 6:30–8:00 PM CST.
Let’s make the holidays gentler—even on the years they’re not with us. 💛