Surviving the Holidays as a New Empty Nester

The holidays can feel bittersweet when your nest is newly empty. The house is quieter, traditions feel different, and the season that was once full of child-centered chaos may suddenly feel… a little too calm.

In this episode of Empty Nest Era, we’ll talk about how to navigate the first holiday season without your kids living at home — and actually find ways to enjoy it. You’ll hear why this season can feel so emotionally heavy (yes, the research backs it up!), and I’ll share 8 practical tips to help you embrace connection, reimagine traditions, and even rediscover joy for yourself.

We’ll talk about:

• Why the first holiday season as an empty nester can feel so strange
• How to honor old traditions while letting them evolve
• Simple ways to connect with your adult kids — even if you’re apart
• Creating new rituals that are just for you
• Using humor and flexibility to ease the transition

Whether your child is off at college, starting their career, or simply no longer living at home, this episode will help you feel less alone and more hopeful as you head into the holidays.

Because surviving the holidays as an empty nester isn’t about recreating the past — it’s about embracing the present, quirks and all.

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💬 COMMENT below: Are you looking at a different kind of holiday this year? If so, what are you doing that will be a change for your family?

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. I suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation if needed.