The holidays can feel like the brightest spotlight on what’s missing—especially when intended parents are still waiting, longing, or grieving their path to parenthood. Scrolling through social feeds packed with family celebrations, facing sensitive questions from relatives, or enduring pregnancy announcements at festive gatherings can sting in ways few people understand. It’s exhausting to keep showing up, pretending, or shrinking yourself just to survive the season.But you don’t have to go through it alone or unprepared. In this episode, Alyssa Small Layne shares 8 practical, compassionate strategies to protect your emotional and financial wellbeing, set boundaries without guilt, and create tiny moments of comfort and control—even before your baby arrives.🎧 Press play and discover how to make holidays survivable, honest, and even full of hope.What You’ll Learn:02:23 — Why the holidays amplify grief, longing, and comparison for intended parents07:14 — How to decide your level of participation and give yourself permission to opt out08:55 — The power of having a “safe person” at every gathering11:31 — Scripts for handling nosy, insensitive holiday questions about surrogacy or infertility13:12 — Creating exit plans and time limits to save energy at hard events16:27 — Handling pregnancy announcements without falling apart19:48 — Building new traditions—even ones focused on your future child22:00 — Special tips for navigating surrogacy during the holidays—whether matched or still waiting24:53 — How to honor both your emotional and financial budget while building your familyResources Mentioned:BloomBridge Surrogacy App Free Surrogacy Starter Kit for Intended Parents#40 Surrogacy Costs Soaring: Are Luxury Gifts Really Necessary?Key Takeaways:You do not owe anyone holiday participation that harms your emotional health.Preparing responses ahead of time reduces anxiety during gatherings.A designated safe person can anchor you when conversations become difficult.Triggers do not mean failure, they are normal and temporary responses.New traditions can help you reclaim meaning during a sensitive season.🎧 Ready to reclaim peace and comfort this holiday season?Listen now and let Alyssa Small Layne guide you to a gentler, stronger holiday—just for you.“You are allowed to protect your peace during the holidays.”

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