Not in the Holiday Mood?

This week in a few of our groups, people were talking about how they don’t feel especially “holiday-ish.” Not sad all the time, not happy either, just sort of in the middle. And instead of trying to force themselves into feeling something different, they were honest about it. Other people in the room nodded right away, like, “Yeah, that’s me too.” It made me think about how helpful it is when someone just says the thing out loud so everyone else doesn’t feel like they’re the only one struggling with it. That’s one of my favorite parts of this community. Nobody has to match the season or pretend they’re feeling something they aren’t. We just show up as we are, and somehow that’s enough.

If it’s your first or it’s been many years since your person died, we know that the holidays can feel complicated. Please join us at our special Holiday meeting next Sunday 12/21/25. Spend the solstice, the longest night of the year, with us while we remember our people and support each other.

Watch How Do You Manage the First Holiday After Someone Dies? by Megan Devine

Holding those celebrating Hanukah and missing someone this week in our hearts.

~ Robyn

Robyn Houston-Bean

Founder, The Sun Will Rise Foundation

MONTHLY CALENDAR

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Please check the calendar before you drive to an in-person group…last-minute changes can happen. If it is not listed on the monthly calendar, it is cancelled for that date.

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THE WEEK AHEAD

WEYMOUTH MA meeting cancelled this week.

HANSON MA meeting cancelled for the winter.

Facilitator Rachel Solomon back for Regular Zoom this week 12/17/25

East Boston MA back on schedule this month. Meeting this week due to the holiday.

UPCOMING TSWR & SADOD ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

SADOD’s December Psychoeducational Workshop. Tuesday, December 16, 2025 6:30-8:00 pm ET Stories are a way of showing us how we see the world and what is sacred to us. This workshop, led by nationally-recognized storyteller, Meghann Perry, will offer an opportunity to explore a new relationship to the stories of the death of our person. This workshop will take place virtually on Zoom. Learn more and register at bit.ly/changing-narrative-workshop. Please note this workshop has a $10 fee for individuals outside of Massachusetts. Massachusetts residents may attend this workshop for free due to funding from MA-BSAS by using promo code MASS at the time of registration. If cost is an issue, please contact Laura@sadod.org

NEW EVENT! Key to Amaze Virtual Reality Experience. Sunday 1/18/26 1:00 pm ET Kenmore Square Boston MA Registration required. Step into a different world with us at a virtual reality gaming experience. In this private group experience, we will be guided by staff as we choose from a variety of VR adventures, from gentle explorations to more high-energy games. No experience is needed and you can participate at your own comfort level. This is a chance to get out and have some time together in a completely different setting. Minimum age is 13 years old or 60" tall. Cost: FREE but requires a $20 per person deposit that you will receive back at the event. If you sign up and do not attend the event without giving us 10 days notice, the deposit is not refundable. We do this to be able to continue to offer events at no cost to you. Thanks for your understanding. Please don’t let the deposit be a barrier. If cost is an issue, just let us know. We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility needs (physical or otherwise), please reach out. We want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.

REGISTER HERE! Questions? Contact Judy Kelly Judy judyannkelly@gmail.com 781-264-0557

HERE IS SOME OF WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK AT TSWR

We had a wonderful afternoon together at the Holiday Party in Canton MA. It was a special time where new and old friends came together in support and companionship. More holiday photos will follow next week!

REMEMBERING OUR PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS

JOIN OUR VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!

The January 2026 book choice is Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li. We will have a facilitated discussion about it on 1/11/26!

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION

INTO LIGHT SURVEY

A quick ask from us! We recently shared info about the INTO LIGHT Project, an art exhibit that honors the lives of people who died due to substance use. Some people chose to participate and some didn’t. Both choices are valid. If you’re willing, we’d really appreciate your voice.

The team behind the project is trying to better understand what made it feel doable for some and not for others. So we created a short, anonymous survey for anyone who considered submitting but decided not to or who had not known about the project being in their state. There are no right answers and no names attached. Just honest feedback that may help make this project feel more accessible in the future.

The project is currently taking submissions now for the Hawaii, Wisconsin & Vermont Exhibits. They have done previous exhibits in AL, CA, CO, DE, FL, IA, MA, MD, NC, NH, OH, OK, PA, TX, UT & VA

HALO INITIATIVES: FAMILY OVERDOSE SUPPORT FUND

Boston Residents! If you are a BOSTON resident who has experienced the death of a family member to overdose within the last 2 years, you may be eligible for up to $5,000 in financial support. Apply here.