Family Deaths Will Alter Holiday Traditions but Life Still Offers Hope
Dear Carol: My husband and I used to go all out with a fresh tree, lots of decorations, and big family gatherings. Then, last May, he suffered a fatal heart attack. It’s been a grueling year, and the holidays have nearly done me in. Every time I go into a store and see the focus on “Christmas cheer,” I choke back tears. I made a half-hearted stab at decorating for the grandchildren and bought gifts, but my heart is in the past. We’re planning our traditional family Christmas at my home as we’ve always done, yet even the children half dread it because their jolly, loving grandpa will be missing. The sparse decorations and overall mood simply echo our feelings. I know my family and I will get through this holiday season, but it’s a struggle. So, I’m sharing my feelings here, hoping that others in similar circumstances won’t feel all alone. I know you’re out there, all of you who’ve experienced loss. This is my way of comforting you. – VB
Dear VB: I’m so sorry about your husband’s passing. My heart is with you and your family as you grieve this enormous loss. Your effort to reach out to help others through writing your story will help them, and doing so was a meaningful step toward your own healing.
Nothing can prevent the sense of loss everyone will feel as you all carry out your traditional Christmas celebration, so start by accepting that as fact. You’ll all need to sit with the pain even while you take steps to celebrate life as it is now. You still have a few days before Christmas to tweak your traditions, so if there are things that could be made easier, do that. Eliminating a few extras won’t hurt anyone and…
Holiday ideas:
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