Today’s newsletter is a bit different. It’s the first of my new monthly discussion threads. These are conversations which will take place on the Substack’s subscriber chat, which is available both in the Substack app and on the web, for us to discuss, chat, swap recommendations and share resources. This is a real chance for you to get to know some of the other members and find support and solidarity.

Today’s topic is:

• How do you cope with being single over the holidays?

Personally I’ve always thrown myself into celebrating as much as possible whether I’ve been single or not. For me – and I say this because I know some of you will be celebrating other religious holidays at this time of year – this season is all about Christmas. I refuse to accept the idea that Christmas is only for families or only for those with kids – and I still believe this even now I am a mum. The holidays are for everyone and you can find joy and magic without a partner or family of your own. We deserve to enjoy this period too.

But I do recognise it can be a difficult period, especially if you are not enjoying being single. There can be awkward or annoying conversations with relatives to deal with, your social media feeds are probably full of pictures of families in matching pjs and your friends might be too busy with family stuff to spend much time with you. You might be feeling lonely imagining a different kind of Christmas or missing someone if you are newly single...