**Trigger warning: Trauma is mentioned in this episode. We do not share specific traumas we have experienced, but we do discuss it in very broad and general terms.

The holidays can be a real mixed bag of emotions. Some years, the holiday “spirit” is readily available, you are inspired to give back, you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, and the season fills you with joy. In other years, you never want to hear a holiday song and the tree can stay int he forest.

This season can be “heavy” for a few reasons, we could be fighting against traditions that no longer serve us, we could be thinking about traumatic experiences from seasons past, and we could be grieving the loss of people, places, and things. In this episode, April, Jason, and Natalie deep dive into these topics and share how they have impacted their holidays. By sharing our experiences, we can find meaningful ways to move through these experiences and lower the temperature throughout our holiday.

Are you feeling alone or isolated on your bariatric journey? Connect with fellow patients and experts in the BariNation Membership Community! As a member, you can access virtual support led by bariatric therapists, registered dietitians, wellness coaches, movement experts, and patient moderators. Try our community for 14 days to see if it is right for you! Find us at https://barination.mn.co

Follow BariNation on Instagram @bari.nation for continued support aligned with your bariatric journey. Follow April @actively_april, follow Jason @tha_smithsonian_, and follow Natalie @breakingbari_ers