NORTH SHELBY – A “Surviving the Holidays” seminar at Inverness Vineyard Church will help people who are separated or divorced—and their children—cope with negative emotions that can come during the holiday season.

Surviving the Holidays will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 at Inverness Vineyard Church, which is located at 4733 Valleydale Road.

The seminar is a one-time event that is part of the DivorceCare program.

DivorceCare is a 13-week video-based support group for people dealing with separation or divorce, said Janis Teller of Inverness Vineyard Church.

“They learn how to deal with their depression and anger and loneliness, and they make friends,” Teller said.

Teller and her husband Steve have facilitated the church’s DivorceCare program for three years.

Two DivorceCare sessions are held each year. One session concludes with Surviving the Holidays. The other session will begin Jan. 8, 2017.

Registration and payment for Surviving the Holidays is required in advance. To do so, visit InvernessVineyard.org and click on the “Get Help” link.

Registration costs $12 for adults. The cost covers meals and workbooks.

Children ages 5-12 can attend a DC4K class for free.

Childcare for children younger than 5 will be provided for free.

Adults and any children planning to attend must register.

A pizza supper will be provided for children.

Surviving the Holidays features practical suggestions, guidance and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, experts in divorce-related care and other people who have experienced the holidays after a separation or divorce.

Presenters will share information about:

•Being prepared for surprising emotions that may hit over the holidays.

•What to do about traditions and other coming changes.

•How to survive potentially awkward moments at holiday events.

•How to help your children have a good holiday experience.

•Where to find comfort, strength and hope in a seemingly hopeless time.

“When Christmas comes up, you have different kinds of emotions,” Teller said. “You’re left sitting there holding the bag thinking, ‘What do I do?’”

Surviving the Holidays participants can expect to be split into groups of 10 and hold discussions with facilitators and fellow participants.

Discussion will include making new holiday traditions, dealing with arguing, avoiding displaying anger in ways that hurt children and talking about financial issues.

Teller said Surviving the Holidays is a religious-based program but provides practical information.

“Anybody would get something out of it,” she said.

For more information, and to register, visit InvernessVineyard.org/dc-surviving-the-holidays.