The holiday season has a way of amplifying emotions, bringing waves of joy, nostalgia, togetherness, and sometimes feelings that are harder to explain. For surrogates, emotions may feel even more layered than usual. Family gatherings and end-of-year conversations can highlight a journey that’s deeply meaningful, but not always easy to explain or share openly. Being a surrogate during the holidays is beautiful, but it’s also nuanced.
Carrying Joy That is Personal
Being a surrogate during the holidays often comes with a quiet kind of pride, knowing that you are helping build someone else’s family. However, depending on where you are in your journey, you may not feel able — or ready — to share this experience. You may be protecting the intended parents’ story, honoring confidentiality, or simply guarding your own emotional space. As a result, you may feel slightly distant at family gatherings, but that doesn’t mean you’re being secretive or withdrawn; it simply reflects the care and intention you’re putting into this journey.
Navigating Conversations and Boundaries
Holidays often come with questions: How are you feeling? Are you excited? While well-intentioned, those conversations can feel complicated when your pregnancy doesn’t follow the traditional narrative people expect. You may decide to share bits and pieces, or you may choose to keep things simple. Both choices are valid. Maintaining boundaries during the holidays is not selfish — it’s self-preserving. You’re allowed to protect your emotional energy, especially during a season that already asks so much of us. The people who need to fully understand your journey already do.
Encouragement for This Holiday Season
Whether you’re currently carrying or preparing to start your surrogacy journey, it’s okay if this season doesn’t feel one specific way. There’s no right way to experience the holidays as a surrogate.
You might feel proud. You might feel tired. You might feel steady one day and emotional the next. All of those responses are part of the process.
Taking care of yourself, emotionally and physically, is just as important as anything else this season. That may mean setting boundaries, slowing down, or giving yourself space to feel whatever comes up. None of that takes away from the meaning of what you’re doing.
If you’re looking for guidance during the holidays — or at any point in your journey — having the right support can make a real difference. International Surrogacy Center understands that surrogacy is both a medical and emotional experience, especially during meaningful seasons like this one. Whether you’re exploring the possibility of becoming a surrogate or already on your path, our team is there to offer clarity, care, and support every step of the way. If you have questions or are ready to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out.