This time of year can be trying without the added challenge of crippling grief during the holidays. The season of firsts without your loved one is a journey, and then the added pressure of taxes looming, added expenses of exchanging gifts, travel, and just the day to day. Here’s a few tips we’ve learned over the years that helped ease the pain.
Gift Giving:
Consider a memorial contribution donated in the name of the deceased that will pay it forward to a needy family, your favorite charity or booster club. It’s a beautiful way to shine light on a deserving person or organization and remember your loved one. Here’s a couple more ideas for gift baskets or ideas for grieving friends or family.
Switch Up The Tradition
Change locations for your gatherings, add something new to the menu. Spend time with the people you care about, even if you have to travel. If you are planning a dinner or get together, consider a white tablecloth and include some brightly colored markers for the guests to autograph and date for a keepsake of the occasion. Add grandma’s rolls or a favorite treat to the menu.
Photos
Take pictures and document your journey of new beginnings. Capture the moments during this intense time. We realized that last Thanksgiving no one took photos and it turned out to be my Grandmothers last one.
Share the Story
The holidays are a great time to record history. For those that are still living, start a conversation and find out family history or even tell your own survival story. You can use the storycorp app to capture these moments.
Rest and Reflect
You’ve been through a lot, take a minute, step back from the hustle and bustle and breathe. There’s nothing wrong with stealing a quiet moment and resting your mind and body with a cup of tea and good book or snuggle on the couch and binge on your favorite show. We’d love to hear your plans for getting through the most “wonderful” time of the year and most of all, we wish you peace.