Sometimes the holiday season feels like navigating a minefield of emotions, especially when you're healing and rebuilding.

Let's be real. The holidays aren't always the picture-perfect Hallmark moments everyone pretends they are. When you're a single parent, a widow, or someone working through trauma, these weeks can feel like an emotional obstacle course.

This year will be our fourth holiday season since everything changed. And I'm not going to sugarcoat it – it's still hard. Really hard.

The triggers are everywhere. Family photos that look different now. Traditions that suddenly feel hollow. Memories that hit like unexpected waves.

But here's what I've learned: healing doesn't mean the pain disappears. Healing means learning to move through the pain with grace, intention, and sometimes, a whole lot of dry shampoo and coffee.

Some Real Talk Holiday Survival Tips:

1. Permission to Not Be Okay: You don't have to be "festive" if you're not feeling it. Some moments you'll laugh, some moments you'll cry. Both are valid. Both are healing.

2. Create New Rituals: The old traditions might feel too painful. So create new ones. Maybe that's pizza and movie night instead of a formal dinner. Maybe that's volunteering instead of exchanging gifts. Your family, your rules.

3. Boundaries Are Self-Care: It's okay to say no. No to events that drain you. No to family members who don't understand your journey. No to expectations that don't serve your healing.

4. Feel to Heal: Don't numb the emotions. Let them move through you. Cry if you need to cry. Scream into a pillow. Write. Dance. Do whatever helps you process.

5. Small Moments Matter: Not every moment needs to be magical. Sometimes survival is the magic. A shared laugh with your kids. A quiet cup of tea. A moment of unexpected peace.

My kids and I, we're still figuring this out. Some days are messy. Some days are beautiful. Most days, they're both.

Remember, mama: The mess is where the miracles happen.

You're doing hard things. You're showing up. You're healing.

And that? That's the real holiday magic.

Sending you strength, grace, and an extra shot of espresso.

— Krystal

P.S. If the holidays feel overwhelming, reach out. To a friend. To a therapist. To me. You are not alone in this journey. ❤️