After the sudden loss of our daughter, we were warned by other grieving parents of the “dreaded holiday season.” Our family had always enjoyed our Christmas fanaticism, the neighborhood lights competitions, and the many annual traditions we practiced. Having had loss thrust on us suddenly, we had to reconstruct Christmas. I attribute this one sane response to our family’s dependence on Christ since there is no other logical explanation for a season when all seems illogical. The old traditions were too painful so it became evident that we were going to have to create a new normalcy for the holidays. Because it had always been our tradition to hang the old handmade tree ornaments made by our children over the years, pulling those precious keepsakes out for me as a mom was devastating. We had several discussions with our sons and agreed that for at least a couple of years, we were going to keep the tree in temporary retirement.
Whether it is a tree or some other family heirloom that reminds you of the loved one you have lost, thinking of putting those types of triggers out of sight in advance of the holiday season could help to alleviate some of the stressors that may negatively affect your raw emotions.
However, that didn’t mean we were going to force our boys to sit around the house glum-faced. A friend passed along a timeshare trip that first Christmas that allowed us to visit an island in South Carolina, a new experience for us. We created a fresh memory. We were surprised at how a change of scenery lifted our hearts out of the doldrums. The condo came with a full kitchen and we all cooked something different and fun, but not laborious.
After several years, my holiday spirit did return, the ornaments were pulled out, and I was glad to return to our old Christmas traditions.
Whether it is a tree or some other family heirloom that reminds you of the loved one you have lost, thinking of putting those types of triggers out of sight in advance of the holiday season could help to alleviate some of the stressors that may negatively affect your raw emotions.
However, that didn’t mean we were going to force our boys to sit around the house glum-faced. A friend passed along a timeshare trip that first Christmas that allowed us to visit an island in South Carolina, a new experience for us. We created a fresh memory. We were surprised at how a change of scenery lifted our hearts out of the doldrums. The condo came with a full kitchen and we all cooked something different and fun, but not laborious.
After several years, my holiday spirit did return, the ornaments were pulled out, and I was glad to return to our old Christmas traditions.
This week, I'll post a series of helps for those of you who are either grieving through the holidays or you're supporting a friend or family member facing loss. Please feel free to send a link to your friends in need of consolation. Take care.
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