Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.
-Winston Churchill
While we associate Christmastime with joy and excitement, for grievers the season may be a bit different. If you find the Christmas season neither joyful nor exciting, it’s okay. This week (and the weeks preceding) can be difficult if you are missing someone special.
Take comfort in knowing that the season not just about being as happy as you can; it is also about reflecting on your life, your year, and your missing pieces. If heaviness settles over you this week, use the moment to reflect on why you feel what you feel, and remember the times and traditions you had with your lost loved one. Reflect on previous Christmases and be sure to include your loved one in your current holiday celebrations, whether with family or privately on your own.
You don’t have to be full of holiday cheer, especially if this is your first Christmas without your loved one; you can be quiet and reflective. Do the best you can, because that is all you can ask of yourself right now.
A.N.Carroll 