This holiday season, Inn Along the Way at Chapman Farm offers a welcoming, interdependent, caring community for people facing the holidays with mixed feelings. The farmhouse doors are open, and someone is available every Monday morning and Thursday afternoon to share conversation, coffee, and tea at 741 Main Street in Damariscotta.

Additionally, a two-day holiday workshop on Dec. 2 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. invites individuals who are mourning a loss to share their stories and create new ones together. “Holidays with HeART” welcomes community members of all ages for conversation and creative activities to honor our loved ones, ourselves, and each other. No artistic experience is necessary, but participants should be willing to be open and supportive.

The approach of the holiday season seems to promise that the joy of gatherings, traditions and meals soon will be around the corner. But the prospect of this seasonal merry-making can be daunting for those of us mourning the death of a loved one. When there is an empty chair at the table or a tradition that will no longer be held, our loved one's absence becomes even more acute. We are inclined to push through the season or simply wait it out, keeping our grief in the corner and putting on a brave face. Inn Along the Way’s farmhouse open door on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons and the two-day workshop, Holidays with HeART, use the spirit of friendship and community to offer participants a meaningful celebration of love.

There is no cost to attend Holidays with HeART but space is limited, so please call Sherry at 751-6261 to reserve your space.

For more information, visit innalongtheway.org.