The Thanksgiving and Christmas season can be a wonderful time of year, but if you have recently divorced or separated from your spouse, then the holiday season can easily become a dreaded time of year for a number of reasons.

Katherine Brown, a coordinator of DivorceCare at First Baptist Church, knows first hand the effects a divorce can bring. Brown, who is now remarried, went through a divorce after 28 years of marriage.

“When I went through my divorce there was nothing to help, now there is,” said Brown.

Brown is one of four who organizes DivorceCare at First Baptist Church. DivorceCare typically meets every Wednesday and serves as a support group for anyone going through a divorce or separation. It is nondenominational and features biblical teaching for recovery.

Surviving the Holidays, an extension of DivorceCare, is being held on Thursday, Dec.10 from 6-7:30 p.m. and is focused on surviving the holidays and discovering new ways to enjoy them again.

Surviving the Holidays features practical suggestions, guidance and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, experts in divorce-related care and people who have experienced the holidays after separation or divorce. There will also be a guest who will give a testimonial.

The program is designed to provide helpful tips and resources to help people navigate their way through the holiday season.

“Even if it has been several years since your divorce, this program can be helpful,” said Brown. “Some people get stuck in the healing process.”

Two guidelines during the seminar are: Participants never have to talk, although it can be helpful and what is shared during the discussions stay there.

“It’s hard to come for the first time, but please do come because it can help,” said Brown.

The seminar is free of charge and a meal will be provided. Participants will also receive a free book with more than 30 daily readings providing additional insights and ideas on holiday survival. Child care is available by reservation.

“It’s a wonderful program. I’m sold on it,” said Brown.

For more information, please contact Katherine Brown at (580) 924-1472 or kmbrown740@simplynet.net. For more information on recovery ministries offered by First Baptist Church, visit www.FBCdurant.org.