Embracing the Light: Finding Joy in Holiday Traditions Despite Loss
The holiday season often symbolizes a time of joy and celebration. Yet, for those of us who have experienced loss, this time of year can feel especially heavy, a poignant reminder of who and what is missing. Despite the ache that might linger beneath the surface, finding ways to embrace the light and joy of holiday traditions can be a meaningful part of the healing process.
Creating New Traditions
One of the most beautiful aspects of holiday traditions is their ability to evolve. When loss changes the landscape of our festive celebrations, it invites us to create new traditions that honor our memories while also making room for new joys. This might mean setting a place at the dinner table in memory of a loved one or lighting a candle each night with a moment of reflection.
Connecting with Memories
Holidays are deeply intertwined with memories, and embracing these memories can be both bittersweet and healing. Sharing stories of past holidays spent with loved ones, looking through photo albums, or even preparing a dish that reminds you of someone special can be powerful ways to connect with those who are no longer with us.
Giving Back
Often, turning our attention outward can bring a profound sense of purpose and joy. The holiday season offers numerous opportunities to give back, whether through volunteering, donating to a cause that was important to your loved one, or simply performing acts of kindness. These actions not only honor the memory of those we’ve lost but also spread the very essence of holiday spirit: love, generosity, and compassion.
Seeking Support
Navigating grief during the holidays is not something one has to do alone. Reaching out to friends and family, sharing your feelings, and even seeking the support of grief counseling or support groups can provide comfort and understanding. Remember, it’s okay to have moments of sadness amidst the festivities; acknowledging these feelings is part of the journey toward healing.
Finding Joy in the Moment
Finally, amidst the remembrance and new traditions, allow yourself to find joy in the present moment. The beauty of the holiday season is not just in its traditions but in the spontaneous moments of laughter, the warmth of a shared meal, or the quiet reflection by the fire. These moments, though fleeting, are where we can find true joy. The holidays, while reflective of loss, also offer a unique opportunity to embrace the light that endures in memories, in new beginnings, and most importantly, in the love that forever connects us to those we miss. This season, as we navigate the complexities of joy and sorrow, let’s remember to hold onto the light, for it is there that we find the true spirit of the holidays.
* written by our CEO Michelle Frauley; her father Allen Watson- missed dearly on this holiday 💜
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