As the holiday season approaches, many families feel the growing tension between the world’s sparkle and their own heartbreak. In this tender and grounded conversation, host Jackie Celske is joined by author, spiritual director, and caregiver coach Sherah-Leigh Gerber, whose Advent devotional Unhappy Holidays offers honest words, gentle practices, and blessings for anyone carrying grief into a season that’s “supposed” to feel joyful.
Together, Jackie and Sherah-Leigh explore what it means to face Christmas with sorrow, longing, or unanswered prayers — and how to honor both grief and hope without forcing either one. Drawing from her own family’s story, her pastoral work, and her training in spiritual care, Sherah-Leigh offers language, perspective, and permission for those navigating infertility, loss, loneliness, or major life transitions this time of year.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why holidays often intensify grief, longing, and emotional fatigue
• How Advent gives us a framework to name pain and look for hope
• What “marking time” and creating simple rituals can offer your heart
• How to set boundaries, honor your needs, and release unrealistic holiday expectations
• Blessings and practices for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss
Whether this season feels heavy, tender, or complicated, this conversation offers comfort, language, and light for the journey.
📚 Purchase Unhappy Holidays:  https://a.co/d/cDVcXyK 
🤍 Connect with Sherah-Leigh Gerber: https://shergerber.com/ or @SherGerber
🫶 Join our community: nofoottoosmall.org/families
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🔗 Donate to support the mission: nofoottoosmall.org/donate
Special thanks to Storyline Multimedia for helping us hold space for these conversations.Guest Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed by guests on the No Foot Too Small Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.
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No Foot Too Small (NFTS) does not provide medical/health advice. Any information provided by NFTS is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Personal use or reliance on information from NFTS or its associated activities, including peer interactions, is strictly at your own risk. We strongly encourage you to consult with healthcare professionals regarding your individual situation and needs.