Holiday grief tips for those grieving the loss of a loved one.
November 6, 2004 (Press Release) --
Grieving the loss of a loved one is tough, but even more so when it seems like the whole world is dancing with joy. It’s enough to make a person want to fast-forward the holidays or, better yet, hibernate in a cave.
“Sometimes it's best just to forget about celebrating the holidays, at least in the commercial sense,” advises Margaret Brownley, author of Grieving God’s Way, available now at Amazon.com. “Focus, instead, on celebrating the birth of Jesus, the source of all healing and hope.”
Brownley speaks from experience, having lost her oldest son several years ago following a long illness. “Some families find comfort in following tradition, but don’t be afraid to try something new," she suggests. "If facing an empty chair at the table is too painful, perhaps it would be better to plan Christmas dinner away from home this year.”
Brownley offers other suggestions to get through the holidays:
•Stay connected to family, friends and God.
•Music is healing, but if playing Christmas carols is too painful, try Mozart or Beethoven or your favorite hymns.
•Depressed people often overspend in an attempt to feel good. It never works and almost always leads to more depression. Make a budget and stick to it.
•Heartache is love that has no place to go. Giving of yourself during the holidays will help ease the pain.
•Grief is tough on the body and even more so during the holidays. Take special care of your health. It’s especially important to eat right and exercise
•Encourage family members to write a letter to your loved one. It’s a great way for even young children to express love and release feelings of anger or guilt.
•Laughter is good for body and soul. Your loved one would want you to laugh.
•Gratitude is the point from which healing begins. Though much has been lost, life is still full of many blessings. Grieve with a thankful heart.
•Try not to worry. The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual day.
•Plan a special time for sharing warm memories. Brownley’s family got through their first grief-stricken Christmas by writing memories of their loved one on scraps of paper, and stuffing them into a stocking. Family members took turns reading the memories aloud on Christmas Day. “You may not feel like dancing,” Brownley says. “But sharing happy memories can help turn holiday gloom into holiday gold.”
“Sometimes it's best just to forget about celebrating the holidays, at least in the commercial sense,” advises Margaret Brownley, author of Grieving God’s Way, available now at Amazon.com. “Focus, instead, on celebrating the birth of Jesus, the source of all healing and hope.”
Brownley speaks from experience, having lost her oldest son several years ago following a long illness. “Some families find comfort in following tradition, but don’t be afraid to try something new," she suggests. "If facing an empty chair at the table is too painful, perhaps it would be better to plan Christmas dinner away from home this year.”
Brownley offers other suggestions to get through the holidays:
•Stay connected to family, friends and God.
•Music is healing, but if playing Christmas carols is too painful, try Mozart or Beethoven or your favorite hymns.
•Depressed people often overspend in an attempt to feel good. It never works and almost always leads to more depression. Make a budget and stick to it.
•Heartache is love that has no place to go. Giving of yourself during the holidays will help ease the pain.
•Grief is tough on the body and even more so during the holidays. Take special care of your health. It’s especially important to eat right and exercise
•Encourage family members to write a letter to your loved one. It’s a great way for even young children to express love and release feelings of anger or guilt.
•Laughter is good for body and soul. Your loved one would want you to laugh.
•Gratitude is the point from which healing begins. Though much has been lost, life is still full of many blessings. Grieve with a thankful heart.
•Try not to worry. The anticipation is almost always worse than the actual day.
•Plan a special time for sharing warm memories. Brownley’s family got through their first grief-stricken Christmas by writing memories of their loved one on scraps of paper, and stuffing them into a stocking. Family members took turns reading the memories aloud on Christmas Day. “You may not feel like dancing,” Brownley says. “But sharing happy memories can help turn holiday gloom into holiday gold.”
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