For those grieving, the holidays may feel especially lonely. We hold sweet memories of festivities past and long for the times of joy and the comfort of our loved one’s presence. The constant ruminating on all we no longer have can lead us to longing, yearning to go back in time. Yet we know that’s not possible. To deal with this, return to the present, right now. When this longing brings tears, let them flow. This will allow you to start again refreshed
At this point in time, consider what you do have as opposed to what is missing. If you are missing holiday music, create a playlist of your favorite so.ngs. If you are missing your favorite holiday cookies, find the recipes and bake some. If you are missing sitting by a cozy fire, visit someone you know burns a fire in their fireplace. If you are missing your loved one, get out your scrapbook or your photos and refresh your memories of good times past.
If all this feels overwhelming, turn to your journal. Your journal won’t judge you and can provide comfort. I suggest you start a new journal just for holidays then when future holidays are coming, you can review what brought you happiness in the past. I love making lists in my journal, and the items on my lists can lead to journal entries so you’ll always have something to write about. This list can provide inspiration for you:
- Make a list of your favorite holiday traditions and write about each one.
- Make a list of your favorite holiday food, and not only write about them, prepare them, and enjoy!
- Make a list of all your loved ones you are missing right now. Write a letter to each one of them. Mail the letters to those who you can, and for your loved ones in another dimension, write a letter back to you from them.
- Make a list of new ways you would like to celebrate the holidays now, and start doing the items on your list.
- Make a list of special holiday memories and write describing each one with lots of details.
- Make a list of more list items you are inspired by from writing these lists, and write about them.
All this writing will keep you occupied in a positive way so you can enjoy the present, pun intended. When you are ready to do all this writing, get a new holiday journal to use, then use it to also journal through other holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations.
Now with all these things, I wish for you to do what brings you joy and celebrate all the positive things you have in your life.
Happy Holidays
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