Grief changes the holiday landscape, but it doesn’t have to dictate it. With compassionate planning, we can find a way to honor both our loss and ourselves during this season. The holiday season is often heralded as a time of joy and togetherness, but when you’re grieving, it can transform into a stretch of weeks filled
The first Thanksgiving without your loved one may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. What once may have been a favorite time of year now amplifies your difficult feelings, leaving you wondering how you will cope with grief during the holidays. But with mindful planning and self-compassion, you can approach this day with intention—creating a space
I want to remind you of something incredibly important today: It’s okay not to feel okay.Grief is a unique and personal journey, and your holiday experience may not always align with the expectations of others. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It means you are grieving.Today – and every day for that
Christmas, in its essence, is a time of reflection and connection. As you navigate your first without a loved one, consider embrace it as a journey of learning, self-compassion, and gentle rediscovery. As the holiday season unfolds, the joy and festivities can often be tinged with a profound sense of loss, especially if you’re experiencing your
Grief during the holidays serves up a perfect storm where joyous memories crash against reality and expectations, something that is especially tough when it’s a child who’s grieving. I know this firsthand. On October 18, 1977, my uncle Doug died by suicide. I was 7 years old. While I don’t remember the specifics of the Thanksgiving
Even if Thanksgiving felt like a disaster, it holds valuable lessons for us. As we approach Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, we can use these experiences as a source of wisdom. Remember, navigating the holidays while grieving is all about trial and error. It’s through these trials that we discover what truly works for us, carving