[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]H[/dropcap2]olidays are challenging. They surface our losses in ways nothing else can.
In my work as a hospice chaplain, I’ve been struck by the power of what I call “Holiday Grief.” This is normally a stressful time of year, but facing the holidays while immersed in grief can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’m doing this 4-part video series on Beating Holiday Grief. I encourage you to watch (it’s 3 minutes), and then pass it along.
Here’s a brief synopsis of Beating Holiday Grief #1: Hurting for the Holidays:
- I lost my dad when I was 15. Another family took me in and I celebrated Christmas with them. They were wonderful, but I missed my dad desperately.
- The next year, I dreaded the holidays. I felt so alone. I was stuck in Holiday Grief.
- What can you do? You can either use the holidays to help you grieve well, or the holidays will use you.
- You can take yourself and your grief seriously, AND honor the one you miss, AND love those around you this holiday season. How? More on that in the next video.
In the meantime, here is a free resource for you: I Miss You: A Holiday Grief Survival Kit – This is a short, practical e-book on how to survive the holidays. Click here to download it today.
This is tough. Your life has changed forever. These holidays will be different. But they can still be good.
Until next time…
My family is torn apart from the sin of molestation. It is very lonely during this time. Very hard, sad time. My health is getting worse and my therapist believes its from all that I have been through. I pray for Jesus to heal and restore this hurt.
Hi Beverly. I am so sorry. I can relate somewhat. Yes, it’s sad, and it hurts. And it does take a toll on our health. Sexual abuse is a horrific evil that touches us at our core. It destroys families, relationships, and souls. I’m praying for you now. Jesus is there. He knows. He loves you perfectly.
My family is torn apart from the sin of molestation. It is very lonely during this time. Very hard, sad time. My health is getting worse and my therapist believes its from all that I have been through. I pray for Jesus to heal and restore this hurt.
Hi Beverly. I am so sorry. I can relate somewhat. Yes, it’s sad, and it hurts. And it does take a toll on our health. Sexual abuse is a horrific evil that touches us at our core. It destroys families, relationships, and souls. I’m praying for you now. Jesus is there. He knows. He loves you perfectly.