“Rediscovering Joy: 12 Unexpected Strategies to Embrace the Holidays After Heartbreak”
The holidays can evoke both joy and sorrow, don’t you think? It’s like trying to juggle a celebratory toast while simultaneously holding a heavy heart—awkward, yet all too common. In my case, after losing my dad in October 2018, the thought of celebrating Christmas felt almost sacrilegious. I mean, how could we gather around a table overflowing with food and laughter when the patriarch of our clan was six feet under? Spoiler alert: he is definitely not getting a Christmas ham this year! Fast forward nearly seven Christmases, and I can share that it’s entirely possible to weave joy and togetherness into the fabric of our celebrations, even when it’s layered with heartache and longing. As you step into this holiday season, let’s explore some thoughtful ways to navigate the thin line between remembering our loved ones and embracing the festivities. Click here for tips to intentionally embrace joy while honoring those we’ve lost. LEARN MORE.
Celebrating while grieving feels like a betrayal. I lost my dad in October 2018, and I just didn’t want Christmas to come. How would we smile, give gifts, and eat ham when the family patriarch slept six feet under? (Un)fortunately, the sun set and rose again, and the holiday rolled in. Twinkling lights and cheerful songs filled the air, but his absence was undeniable in the house.
Almost 7 Christmases later, I know it’s possible to have joy and togetherness even when it feels profoundly different. Holidays after losing a loved one will be equal parts warmth and heartache, leaving you searching for ways to honor their memory while still engaging with the world around you.
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