Last week, we had another Zoom Virtual Hangout where we talked about Why Holidays are So Hard. I wanted to give you a brief summary of what I presented.

Before I dive in, if you didn’t register for the session but would like to view the recording, please reply with “Send me the link,” and I’ll get it to you.

Holidays are hard for grieving hearts…

1. Because every day is so hard.

EVERY day is hard while grieving. We know this all too well. Holiday grief is our everyday grief on steroids.

2. Because you are created in the image of God and designed for connection and relationships.

You are not random. You were personally and purposefully created by God Himself. You were wired for connection, not separation. You’re designed to love deeply – and so you grieve deeply.

3. Because your relationship with your loved one is unique.

You are unique in all of human history (even if you’re a twin). So is your loved one. So is your relationship with your loved one. That’s part of why this is painful and lonely.

4. Because the Holiday Season surfaces your losses and throws them in your face.

This time of year will bring your losses to mind like no other. It’s natural that you would be hyper-aware of who’s missing. Your loved one’s absence permeates everything.

5. Because the Holiday Season is packed full of memories and grief triggers.

You bump into a memory with every step. Decorations, songs, sounds, aromas, movies, traditions – anything can be a grief trigger.

6. Because grief and the Holiday Season don’t mix well.

The world expects smiles and laughter. The world isn’t normally friendly to grieving hearts, but during this season you will naturally feel even more out of place. You will experience that surreal feeling many times in the weeks ahead.

7. Because of holiday expectations and fears.

You naturally put expectations on yourself for the holidays. Others put expectations on you as well – what you will do, how you will be, etc. Chances are both sets of expectations are unrealistic. This, coupled with fears about the future, make this time of year supremely challenging.

8. Because your world and life have been changed forever.

The sheer amount of change you’re enduring is stunning. Change is stressful. The holidays are stressful. Overwhelming change plus the holidays can feel debilitating. Talk about grief overload!

No wonder holiday grief is so hard, and we’re not even dealing with the details yet!

So, what do we do?

I’ll cover that in the next time.

In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Remember that you are not alone. You are not crazy. You will make it through this.

I’m reminded of these words: But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

True strength comes from aligning ourselves with the truth. We are very limited people. We are completely dependent on God for all and everything. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being.

I am not sufficient for this day. He is. He is my sufficiency – at all times and in all situations, no matter what. I am weak. He is my strength for this day.

Until next time…

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Question: Can you relate to the above eight points? Which one stands out to you? Feel free to respond and comment below.