Holiday party ... with children

I’m at a holiday party and there are kids here. I’ve been to this holiday party for the past 8-9 years and not once has there been kids. Now the year that I find out I’m in infertile kids are welcome to this party. I thought I would be okay but I’m just so sad that I had to step out. I pretended that I had to take a phone call and went to my car. I’m now in my car and not knowing what to do. I want to leave but I don’t know what excuse to give. I realized that I’m the only one there out of about a dozen women without a kid. Not everyone brought their kid but they are talking about their kid(s). So there are about 6-7 adorable kids running around and I can’t handle it. I’m also not close with anyone here so no one knows about my diagnosis. I’m going to go back in soon and try to leave as soon as it’s appropriate.

Sorry, just had to vent. It’s been a hard holiday season and I can’t wait till it’s over.

I’d love to hear other similar stories and how you are all getting through kid-filled holiday parties.

Update: Wow, thanks so much for sharing your stories and thoughts. After spending about 45 minutes in my car crying, I went back to the party expecting to say my goodbyes. Then I saw a group of child-free friends had arrived and I was able to spend the rest of the party with them. We ate a lot of sugar and cheese and talked about video games, 80s movies, and weird relationship experiences. I had a good time but I still cried almost the entire drive home (1.5 hours). Then I came home and read these messages and completely warmed my heart. It was an emotional roller coaster of a day today but I got through it - thanks to you all. I’m so appreciative of this group.