Why the Holidays Feel Different After Loss (And Why That’s OK)

In this deeply reflective episode of Purpose, Not Pity, Erika explores the quiet, often unspoken emotional space that many people find themselves in during the holidays after loss, heartbreak, or major life change.

Not the kind of grief that demands attention.
Not the kind of healing that looks inspirational.
But the kind that shows up as restraint, reflection, and not knowing how to explain what you feel.

Erika opens up about how the holidays have shifted for her over the years, from childhood magic, to single motherhood, to grief, to this in-between season where nothing feels wrong, but nothing feels the same. She speaks honestly about loneliness, peace, uncertainty, and the pressure to perform joy when your inner world has changed.

This episode is for anyone who:

• Feels disconnected from the holidays but can’t explain why
• Is healing but still grieving parts of the life they didn’t get
• Feels pressure to show up joyful when quiet feels more honest
• Is learning to let the season be what it is, without forcing meaning

You don’t need to fix the holidays.
You don’t need to explain yourself.
And you don’t need to feel alone in this.

A gentle, grounding conversation for anyone navigating the holidays while becoming someone new.