[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]T[/dropcap2]he Holidays are here. And for many, they hurt.
This is the third video in our series on Beating Holiday Grief.
In the first video, Hurting for the Holidays, we talked about how this time is normally stressful, but grief can make it overwhelming.
In the second video, Why Holidays are Hard and What You Can Do about It, we talked about the unrealistic expectations that come with the holidays and how to tackle them while grieving.
Today we’re going to talk about how you can include your loved one in the holidays.
Here’s a summary of today’s video:
Instead of letting the holidays use you, use them to honor your loved one and love those around you.
How? Plan specific ways to include and celebrate the one who passed. Here a few ideas:
- Set up an empty chair honoring your loved one
- Light a candle in remembrance
- Have everyone bring a card that reminds them of the person
- Put a present with their name on it under the tree. Pass the present around and share memories.
Be creative. If you’re willing, new traditions can be born that honor your loved one and help you and others move on with them, in a new way.
Next time, in our final video, we’ll be talking about a secret you can use to make these holidays a healing experience. It could make all the difference.
If you’re looking for more help navigating the holidays, check out Surviving the Holidays Without You. Packed with stories, comforting content, and practical suggestions, it’s available on Amazon in both e-book and paperback formats.
Your life has changed forever. These holidays might be difficult, but they can still be good.
Question: How are you planning to include loved ones you’ve lost in these holidays?
I took wooden clothespins and used them for the base of making ornaments in memory of our daughter. I made some pictures real small so that I could use it as her face then dressed the clothspin in outfits from her clothes and gave them out. It was a great comfort for me and others liked them too. Now my husband and brother died recently and I don’t know what to do. Feel so numb still.
Hi Theresa. Clothespins and clothes – now that’s a creative idea. And I know it helped and encouraged you greatly. I’m so sorry. Daughter, husband, brother. You have really been through it. I can’t imagine. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. Praying for you now…
I took wooden clothespins and used them for the base of making ornaments in memory of our daughter. I made some pictures real small so that I could use it as her face then dressed the clothspin in outfits from her clothes and gave them out. It was a great comfort for me and others liked them too. Now my husband and brother died recently and I don’t know what to do. Feel so numb still.
Hi Theresa. Clothespins and clothes – now that’s a creative idea. And I know it helped and encouraged you greatly. I’m so sorry. Daughter, husband, brother. You have really been through it. I can’t imagine. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. Praying for you now…