161. Getting Through Christmas

For millions of people around the world who celebrate Christmas* - including parents unwillingly estranged from their own adult children and grandchildren - “the most wonderful time of the year” can also be one of the least wonderful times.
In this special Christmas episode for parents of estranged adult children, Tina normalizes emotional pain during what is supposed to be the season of good cheer. She outlines an attitude to adopt and a strategy to employ, to combat the painful uncertainty of what to expect at Christmas during an ongoing estrangement.
As always, she invites listeners to take charge of their experience and remember their inherent value as human beings. Don’t miss this takeaway-packed episode.
If you’re an unwillingly estranged parent who doesn’t celebrate this particular holiday, click here for a list of more inclusive holiday-themed resources on this site. Please note: Some resources on that list are only accessible to Reconnection Club members.
For much more information on coping with, and responding effectively to, estrangement by your adult child (or children), read Tina's book, Reconnecting With Your Estranged Adult Child.
Reconnection Club members can discuss this and every episode in the General Discussion forum inside the Reconnection Club.
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EPISODE LINKS:
RC Podcast Episode 139: Emotions of Estrangement, Part 1
RC Podcast Episode 140: Emotions of Estrangement, Part 2
Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them
Make a Detailed Plan to Get Through Special Days
RC Podcast Episode 131: Preparing for family therapy
BONUS: Tina Gilbertson’s humorous, therapy-themed version of “The 12 Days of Christmas”