Holidays, for queer people, are some of the most challenging times of the year. We’re forced to confront our insecurities about family. And if you’re like me, that also means going home to the town of less than 10K people. Where everybody knows everybody. And you’ll probably run into everyone at the local grocery store.
And when you don’t currently have a husband-boyfriend-partner-whatever, the holidays can feel especially lonely. You might feel unsupported. And your chosen family may have scattered to the four corners of the earth to deal with their own trauma.
So what are you supposed to do? Check out this survival guide. Below are some ideas that I personally used. And there’s some good advice in here from Tarot too.
Happy Holidays For Queer People!
The Personal Stuff
- I like to eat out if I’m alone for the holidays. It puts me in a social situation where I’m with people, and yet treating myself. It’s a bit of self care without being shuttered. If touch is important to you, scheduling a massage or other treatment (nails, hair, etc) can do the same thing.
- Have a Friendsgiving or a holiday dinner with your chosen family. Just because you’re flying solo doesn’t mean that you can’t eat with your friends. This is a great excuse for a fabulous meal and a signature cocktail. Set the example for holidays for queer people. And do it right.
The Tarot Stuff
- 10 Wands – Perform a ritual that releases your burdens. Especially those that that are getting to you right now. Like stuff around your family, chosen family, or just being a queer person getting through the holidays. For example: write down all the oppressive things that are cluttering your mind on strips of paper and toss them in a jar. Pull them out one at a time and read it out loud. The next step is up to you and how you work. You have two choices. 1) Burn that strip of paper in a safe space while releasing that energy to the past so you make room for new energy for the future. 2) Write down an affirmation to counteract the burden and put it in another jar. One that you can reference next year when you need a boost. Then toss the old burdens while releasing the energy to the past. BONUS – you can do both.
- Odin – Reflect on the sacrifice you’re making by going it alone right now. You’re giving up something in order to achieve a greater purpose. That’s self care and a holidays for queer people technique. And though it may seem selfish to others it’s truly about creating space so that you’re able to do for another. Especially in the long run.
- Aeon – You‘re called to a greater purpose. Use this time to discover that purpose. You might meditate, utilize yoga, connect with guides, get a tarot reading, or perform other rituals that help you along the path of discovery.