Returning Thursday, November 7, 2024 (via Zoom)

During the holiday season, you look around and see families happily shopping for gifts, couples holding hands through the mall, and people humming along to holiday songs. But if you’re going through a separation or divorce, the holiday sparkle has dimmed and holiday cheer may be a painful memory.

“It was hard to see families around Christmastime,” said Monica. “It magnified the fact that I was alone.”

“Every time I turned around, I saw families together,” said Bill. “It’s just like somebody’s punching your heart."

Even though you may have some tough emotional times during this season, help is available. DivorceCare's Surviving the Holidays is a two-hour event where you can learn practical, effective strategies to help you make it through the holidays. The seminar begins with a video featuring interview clips from respected Christian counselors, psychologists, and authors speaking on topics pertinent to people in separation or divorce. The videos also include practical advice from people who have experienced a marital breakup and have faced at least one holiday season since then.

As part of DivorceCare's Surviving the Holidays, you will be able to purchase a Holiday Survival Guide that includes practical strategies, encouraging words, helpful exercises, and more to help you construct a healthy approach to the days ahead. You’ll also spend time with other people in separation or divorce who have an idea of what you’re going through and who will accept you as you are without expectations or judgment.

“With the people at DivorceCare I don’t have to have it together,” said Monica. “I don’t have to be a certain way. I come as I am, and they know what I mean.”

This holiday season can be a wonderful time of personal growth and peace as you learn to discover joy amidst the heartache.

Summerville Presbyterian Church will be offering this seminar again via Zoom from 7-9 pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024.  Registration is required through the DivorceCare website at DivorceCare.org. Scroll down to "Surviving the Holidays", type in your zip code, and click on the button "Find A Holiday Event". Once you locate the Summerville Presbyterian listing, click on the blue-highlighted date to register.

You will be able to purchase the required Surviving the Holidays booklet ($5) as you register.  There is no additional fee.

If you would like more information about this offering or about DivorceCare support, please contact Diane Dunham or call the church office at 843-871-0280.