When the Holidays Hurt

Dealing With Grief During the Holiday Season

Location: Virtual Event
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Registration: $25

Virtual doors will open at 12:30 PM ET.

Email: wrtwtevents@gmail.com

Description: The holiday season can magnify grief, loneliness, difficult memories, family pressures, and the absence of someone we love.

When the Holidays Hurt is a compassionate virtual experience created for widows, widowers, and anyone grieving the death of someone they love.

Participants will begin together in a welcoming community setting before entering one of three focused breakout rooms. Each room addresses a different way grief can affect us during the holiday season: how we care for ourselves, how we cope with the absence of someone we love, and how we navigate the expectations of others.

Participants will select one breakout-room experience during registration.

BREAKOUT ROOM OPTIONS

ROOM 1 — ME

What Do I Do With Me Now?

Facilitated by Dr. Tammy, Therapist

Loneliness, self-care, and getting through the day.

This room will focus on the personal experience of grief during the holidays—especially loneliness, emotional exhaustion, and the challenge of caring for yourself when everything feels different.

ROOM 2 — THEM

The Empty Chair

Facilitated by Britany Patsfield, Therapist

Traditions, memories, and missing them.

This room will explore the empty spaces created by someone’s absence, including changing traditions, meaningful memories, and ways to honor the person you love while navigating the holidays without them.

ROOM 3 — OTHERS

I Don’t Want to Go

Facilitated by Mr. James Price, Grief Coach

Boundaries, family, and holiday expectations.

This room will help participants navigate invitations, family pressure, social gatherings, and the expectations of others. Participants will receive support in establishing boundaries and making choices that protect their emotional well-being.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

• A compassionate and welcoming virtual environment
• An opening welcome led by Dr. Tina
• One professionally facilitated breakout-room experience
• Honest conversation about the realities of holiday grief
• Practical encouragement and supportive resources
• A closing time of community and reflection

• This is a live virtual event.
• Registration is required.
• Participants will select one breakout room when registering.
• Virtual access information will be sent directly to registered participants.
• The Zoom link should not be displayed publicly on the website.
• The event will not be recorded.
• Registration proceeds support the grief-support programs and community work of Widowhood Real Talk with Tina.

This event provides grief education, encouragement, and community support. It is not therapy, medical care, or emergency crisis treatment. If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis or are concerned about your safety, please call or text 988 in the United States or contact your local emergency services.