Tips for Celebrating Christmas After a Death in the Family
As you can probably tell from the above example, my number one tip on how to deal with this situation is to make them a part of your Christmas celebration. Honor their memories. Share stories about them. Laugh. Cry. Hug. Heal.
Patricia Loder, executive director of The Compassionate Friends, an organization devoted to helping the bereaved survive the grieving process, offered additional tips (excerpted below) to PRWEB:
*Plan ahead...Decide what is truly important to you and your family.
*Don't be afraid to ask friends for help. Tasks, which may normally take little effort, can feel overwhelming.
*Just because you've hosted holiday gatherings in the past doesn't mean that you're obligated to this year. Others will understand.
*Honor the memory of your child [or loved one] in unique ways that have meaning to you.
*Surviving children should be included in your plans.
*If you don't get everything done you plan, be easy on your self. Grief is tough work and you should never feel guilty for not completing every task.
*If you must shop for others, find a time when the stores are not extremely busy.
*Participate in a memorial service [for your loved one.]
*Remember that the fearful anticipation of an approaching holiday is usually worse than the day itself.
These tips, of course, are not all-inclusive. With time, you will find many more ways to celebrate Christmas after a death in the family, ways that are unique to you and your family, ways that will help you honor your family member while also celebrating the season of giving.
SOURCES
Published by Christine Mattice
Christine holds a Bachelor of Communication from Hiram College. She is a versatile, award winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to Associated Content, she writes for Digital Journal, H... View profile
- The Feeling of DeathWhen she was pronounced dead, I realized what I had felt that evening that had wracked my body with unknown tears. I had felt death. Death had been in the house.
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2 Comments
Post a CommentWhat a beautiful, heartwaming story. Thank you for sharing.
Myfather was in hospice for 2 weeks prior to his death. We were not expecting his death so soon but knew it was upon us. As a family Hospice was a blessing, giving us time with dad as a family in their family room. We celebrated with chirstmas cookies and meals...hugs and memories. The most rewarding day was prior to christmas when Carolers came in with their bells and played chirstmas bells. It was the most beautiful music you ever heard..dad was so excited he prompted his family to all put money in a hat as an offering for these angels mission. Dad went to sleep that night and never became concious enough to talk to us again. He could squeeze our hand but even that became weak. On Christmas Day we honored dad an ornament exchange with the family that could be there due to a snowstorm. The next morning Dec. 26th at 11:55 am Dad passed with me by his side hugging and telling him it's okay dad, go be with the lord. I kissed him and he drew his last breath. This I will never forget..