122:How to Get Through December When it's Nothing Like You Imagined

Send Jen a Text MessageThe holidays are supposed to be magical, full of joy, family, and new traditions. But what happens when everything feels off—when all you feel is the gaping hole of what’s missing?In this episode, I’m getting real about the pressure of the holiday season and how it can feel like the rest of the world is celebrating while you're just trying to survive. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, the holidays tend to shine a blinding light on everything that’s changed.I share my own story of how I planned for a completely different Christmas—the one where I’d be welcoming twins into the world—and how that fantasy unraveled into heartbreak. This is the episode for you if you’re dreading December, overwhelmed by expectations, or wondering how to get through a season that was supposed to look so different.We’ll talk about how to honor your baby in ways that feel right to you, how to set boundaries that protect your heart, and why it’s okay if this year looks nothing like the ones before.You don’t have to perform happiness. You don’t have to fake joy. And you are not broken if all you want is to get through the day.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why the holidays make grief feel even harderThe pressure to feel "blessed" when you're just survivingWhat to do when you feel resentful, numb, or triggeredPermission to skip traditions and do things differentlySmall, meaningful ways to honor your baby this seasonHow to prepare for emotional landmines and make an exit planSetting boundaries about baby talk, announcements, and moreThe power of communicating your needs with your partner and familyMentioned in this episode: Join the free Rebuilding After Loss workshop on Thursday, December 4: https://navigatingbabyloss.com/workshopDownload my FREE "Guilt and Grief Release Journal" at navigatingbabyloss.com/journalWHERE TO FIND AND FOLLOW ME!Website-  https://www.navigatingbabyloss.comTik Tok-https://www.tiktok.com/@navigatingbabylossInstagram-https://www.instagram.com/navigatingbabyloss/You Tube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-2MCEY5PRiF6p6VB_2lxA