Surviving The Holidays While Carrying Grief
The winter holidays were always a time for family celebration and connection for me. But after losing my husband eight years ago, they became something entirely different. They turned into a time of nostalgia crashing into the reality of my massive loss. As I write this, I’m reminded that grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It doesn’t take a break for celebrations, it's sneaky and for many of us this feels like a harsh contrast to the emotions we carry.
As a widow and a Life Coach, I know how isolating this experience can be. Loss changes everything – especially how we move through traditions and celebrations. I remember saying to my friends “just wake me up when this is over” But overtime I learned that grief and celebrating special times including the holidays don’t have to be at odds. They can co-exist.
"The Effing Firsts" After Loss
I remember the first Holiday season after my husband passed. At first, I felt a glimmer of excitement about shopping for cards and gifts. I thought I could carry on with some resemblance of normalcy. But as I walked into the store, something shifted. The reality of the season hit me like a semi-truck. The aisles were filled with festive cheer, but all I could feel was emptiness. When I reached the greeting card section, my heart stopped. I stood there staring at the cards, unable to choose one and had to leave. It was in that moment when I truly realized how much my life – and who I was – had changed. The woman who had once excitedly, planned and prepared for the holidays now felt like a stranger to herself. That realization was both painful and profound. Eventually, I realized that honoring those feelings was part of my healing.
A Widows Perspective & Supporting Others
If you're reading this and feeling the weight of loss this holiday season, know you're not alone. The empty chairs and quiet moments are heavy, but they're also a testament to the love you've known. You don't have to do this alone either. Whether through sharing your story, creating new rituals or simply reaching out there is strength in connection.
🎁 A Gift of Support This Holiday Season 🎁
This holiday season I’m offering a virtual one - on - one life coaching session for anyone who feels they need extra support. Whether you’re navigating grief, dealing with a significant loss, or simply feeling the weight of the season, I want to provide a space where you can be heard and supported. Your session is my gift to you and a way to give back. It’s an opportunity to share your story, explore your emotions and hopefully take away better clarity and peace.
My offer is available through the end of December. Reach out via phone, email or text and we can set up a time that works for you.
Closing Thought
In my work as a Life Coach, I’ve seen how people can find strength in times of reinvention. Whether it’s lighting a candle to honor a loved one starting a new tradition or simply allowing yourself the time to grieve. There is no wrong way to approach grief or the holidays. What I’ve learned personally and professionally, is that surviving through, doesn’t mean forcing yourself to feel joy. It’s about giving yourself the grace to feel what you feel while finding small ways to carry forward.
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