December 2, 2025 – 23 Days to Christmas
Life transitions can be isolating, especially during the holiday season when everything seems to revolve around togetherness. But even in the darkest times, we don’t have to face challenges alone. Our friends want to support us; they just need to know we’re open to receiving their help.
Today’s Story: Rebecca’s Meltdown Part 2
Christmas Eve has arrived. Frozen to the bone, Rebecca is standing on the slippery steps outside Diana’s house, holding a box of Christmas decorations. Snow falls.
“What am I doing here?” she whispers, looking towards the inflatable Santa on the lawn for an answer. Her eyes fill with tears. She spins dramatically, marches back to her car, and is two seconds from peeling out of the driveway like a woman fleeing a crime scene when—
Her phone buzzes: I can see you retreating. Ring the doorbell or I’m coming out there in my elf slippers. – Diana
Rebecca, fearing a confrontation with a certifiable elf, promptly rings the doorbell.
Diana whips open the door, carrying a gigantic wreath that appears to weigh more than she does, drenched in pine-scented room freshener. She’s wearing huge red-and-green elf slippers, with tiny tinkling bells, and clutching a wooden spoon like she’s about to beat off intruders. A crooked Christmas tree behind her sparkles feebly under its burden of ornaments chosen entirely at random by what appears to be eight different committees with conflicting aesthetic agendas.”You came! Everyone, Rebecca-from-the-Frozen-Aisle is here!”
“Please don’t call me that,” Rebecca says, but she’s laughing as Diana drags her inside.
There are eight people crammed in Diana’s living room, which looks as if it has been decorated by a small army of sticky-fingered toddlers on sugar highs. A man in his forties, wearing a Christmas jumper inside-out, is engaged in a surprisingly heated debate with a woman whose t-shirt reads “Came Out As An Introvert At 50—Merry Christmas To Me” about whether boxing is an effective coping strategy. On the coffee table sits a shop-bought cake that originally wished Jennifer a happy birthday, but someone has added “and Happy Christmas” in icing that suggests either debatable artistic vision or motor skill issues.
A woman about Rebecca’s age appears at her elbow wearing reindeer antlers. “First timer? I’m Ashley. Moved here for a job that got eliminated before I finished unpacking. That was four months ago. I’m still living out of boxes out of spite. Also, I’m spending Christmas alone tomorrow, and I’m fine with it.” She doesn’t sound fine with it at all.
“I’m Rebecca. Divorced eight months. Also living out of boxes, but more out of fear that unpacking makes it real. Also spending Christmas alone tomorrow.” She pauses. “Also NOT fine with it.”
“Oh, you’re gonna fit right in.” Ashley hands her a paper plate with tiny candy canes printed on it. “Warning: Martin’s emotional support chicken is here. Her name is Beyoncé. She’s wearing a Santa hat. She will try to steal food off your plate. We put up with her because Martin’s going through something serious and honestly, although Beyoncé has extremely bad taste, she does have lots of festive spirit.”
Rebecca scans the room. There is indeed a chicken in a sweater AND a tiny Santa hat pecking joyfully at the Jennifer cake.
Diana appears with mulled wine. “What’d I tell you? Functional chaos. Also, you brought decorations, which means you’re automatically invited to Christmas 2025 dinner tomorrow.”
“Wait, what?”
“Christmas dinner. Here. One PM. I’ve got a ham the size of a small camel and Martin’s bringing Beyoncé. You’re coming.”
“I can’t just—”
“Too late, I’m adding you to the group chat.” Diana’s already typing.
By 10 PM, Rebecca has:
- Helped workshop someone’s Hinge profile (they deleted the fish photo AND the one with him and his mom wearing matching Christmas jumpers)
- Reluctantly eaten a piece of rock-hard Jennifer cake
- Been attacked three times by Beyoncé (the Santa hat never budged)
- Received a label maker from Greg (“Unpacking is less soul-crushing when you can passive-aggressively label your ex’s stuff before donating it. I’ve marked seventeen boxes ‘RICHARD’S REGRETS'”)
- Participated in a Secret Santa where everyone wrapped random items from their houses (she got a potato masher and a travel guide to Peru)
- Been added to a group chat called “Frozen Aisle Survivors – Christmas Edition”
As she’s leaving, Diana walks her out into the cold night. Someone’s started an ear-splitting rendition of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” inside.
“So, Christmas dinner tomorrow. One PM?” Diana asks.
“I don’t have anything to bring.”
“Bring yourself. I have a confession. I had finished shopping that day. My cart was already full. I just saw you crying and did another lap.”
Rebecca feels her throat tighten. “Why?”
“Because six months ago, I was you. Christmas Eve, crying in the frozen aisle. A lady with a full trolley told me I looked like I needed friends and tricked me into joining her book club. We haven’t read a book in four months but we meet every week anyway. She’s coming tomorrow, by the way. You’ll love her.”
Diana shrugs. “Frozen aisle criers look out for each other. Especially at Christmas.”
Rebecca’s phone buzzes. The group chat is already active:
Martin: Beyoncé wants to know if Rebecca is coming tomorrow
Greg: Beyoncé can’t type
Martin: She’s more literate than half this group
Ashley: If I have to hear about fantasy football again, I’m bringing my own chicken
Diana: Rebecca, you have 30 seconds to say yes before this becomes a wellness check
Rebecca looks at Diana, then at her phone, then back at Diana.
“I’ll bring more decorations,” she says.
“Perfect. Merry Christmas, frozen aisle girl.”
“Merry Christmas, random grocery store stranger.”
The Make Friends and Maintain Friendships Masterplan
Reaching out can feel daunting. What if they don’t understand? What if they think you’re being too much? These fears are normal, but they’re often unfounded. Vulnerability is a bridge that connects hearts. By opening up, you not only lighten your own burden but also give your friends permission to do the same.
Take a moment to reflect on who you trust. Then, take the first step, however small it feels. A simple “I’m having a tough time” can lead to deeper conversations and a stronger bond.
| Today, say yes to one social invitation you’d normally decline—the after-work drinks, the neighbour’s cookie exchange, the hiking group that meets at an ungodly hour, or the plus-one situation where you won’t know anyone. In the worst-case scenario, you spend an hour feeling awkward, eat some mediocre appetisers, and concoct a perfectly valid excuse to leave early and never go again. Or, best-case scenario, you meet someone who also hates small talk, you bond over your mutual desire to be home in your pyjamas, and six months later, you’re in their wedding party, wondering how you went from “virtual strangers” to “I trust you with my life” because you both said yes when you wanted to say no. |
Discover how to build meaningful, lasting friendships and create a support system that truly has your back – especially during major life changes or lifequakes – just fill in the form below. I’ll also add you to my newsletter list, though you can unsubscribe from this list effortlessly and at any time. You’ll get immediate access to the:
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Today’s (Other) Blog Post – there are more than 450 now.
Author Bio: Dr Margaretha Montagu – described as a “game changer”, “gifted healer”, “guiding light” and “life-enriching author” – is an experienced medical doctor, a certified NLP practitioner, a medical hypnotherapist, an equine-assisted psychotherapist (EAGALAcertified) and a transformational retreat leader who guides her clients through life transitions – virtually, or with the assistance of her Friesian and Falabella horses, at their home in the southwest of France.
Last Year’s Christmas Countdown Calendar post
