Finding Holiday Belonging
The holidays can stir up complicated feelings, especially when your family picture doesn’t look like the one found on a greeting-card. A season of transition can begin for any number of deeply personal reasons. Divorce, job losses, or family difficulties can reshape the way you’re used to spending the holidays. If you are wondering what the holidays will feel like this year, you are not alone.
You are allowed to create new traditions and you are allowed to belong, even if your holiday looks beautifully different this year.
One of the most powerful alternatives is to spend the day in community. Many women find that when they give themselves a purpose outside their traditional family circle, the season takes on a surprisingly warm glow.
For example, local shelters and food-recovery programs often welcome volunteers for holiday meal service. Organizations like community food banks, women’s shelters and senior-care homes often offer holiday shifts that let you connect with others while making a real difference.
If you prefer a hosted experience rather than volunteering, many community centers and nonprofits create inclusive holiday gatherings, specifically for people who might be spending the day on their own. Some YMCA locations host potlucks or fitness-plus-brunch events. Many libraries and neighborhood associations also offer “come as you are” holiday socials. These spaces can feel surprisingly comforting, because everyone is there for connection rather than obligation.
You can also explore programs that pair individuals with families who have an extra seat at their table. Some faith-based organizations and cultural centers offer these matches in a non-religious, community-building spirit.
People who choose alternative holiday gatherings often report less loneliness and a stronger sense of purpose afterwards.
Organizations like Friends For Dinner connect international students (or others who may be far from home) with American families willing to open their homes for holiday meals. The Holiday Project organizes volunteers to visit people spending holidays alone in nursing homes, hospitals, or other institutions, by helping to bring good company and holiday cheer. Feeding America runs a huge nationwide network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs.
Choosing something different doesn’t mean settling. It means crafting a holiday that supports your heart. Whether you’re serving meals, sharing stories with new friends, or spending the day with a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.
You deserve warmth, connection, and a sense of home. On your terms.
Anne-Marie Mascaro is a freelance writer whose work stretches across multiple mediums. A lifelong traveler and adventure seeker, she’s endlessly drawn to new places, new ideas, and the joys of learning something unexpected. She is the founder of Monkeyfriendly.com, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that brings together scientists and non-scientists to collaborate on wildlife projects.