Grieving thru the Holidays
If someone’s missing from the picture this holiday season, you’re probably wondering how in the world you’re going to make it through to January. You are not alone. It was just weeks before Thanksgiving the year my mom suddenly died; and a couple years later, my dad went to be with the Lord on December 9th. The holidays seemed like a really bad idea those years.
Here are a few things I wish I had known about grief through the holidays:
* Martha Stewart doesn’t live here. Give yourself permission to bring it all [cooking, decorating, entertaining, Christmas cards, whatever] down a notch. Do what you love and feel up to doing.
* Say the name of the person you’re missing, so friends and family will, too. Sharing sweet memories can be great therapy.
* Take time time everyday to rest. A little time in a dark room to sleep, write, cry… whatever you need to do, is refreshing.
* The Lord really is close to the brokenhearted- and will rescue us when our spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18) If you’re feeling overwhelmed by grief right now, asking someone to pray is a great idea.
* Get together with those closest to you to make a plan for where you want to be on the holiday. Don’t let the day sneak up on you.
* There’s no need to apologize if you need to leave an event early. I'm not saying I ever did this... but parking an escape care where you can get out easily might be helpful. :-)
* If reminiscing and sharing stories about your loved one makes you laugh or cry, both are really OK.
* You are stronger than you think you are.
What do you wish someone had told you? Please share your ideas here!