Okay…let’s start with the fact that the Patterson family loves Christmas!
We like to sing and decorate and cook and visit and buy everything in sight! We even have special Christmas china and even decorate the tree to a special song (‘Micky’s Monkey’ by Mother’s Finest-long story.)
But, this year, while I’m looking forward to the big holiday, I’m sad, too. Really sad.
This will be our first Christmas without my Dad, who passed in April.
And I feel torn up about it. I want a huge beautiful tree…that I can kick over. I want to bake and decorate cookies…and throw them away. I’m counting down the days to prep my soul for the inevitable waves of sadness that I know are coming on December 25th.
Does anybody understand where I’m coming from? When did I turn into the Grinch?
So, in an attempt to “live my best life, I Googled up some ways to deal with grief during the holidays.
1-Talk to someone about how you are really feeling inside. You can take their advise or not, but talking about issues always helps.
2-Take care of yourself. Right now, it’s all about self-care. Eat right, read positive affirmations and if you just need to lay in the bed and be alone, do it!
3-Either get rid of the reminders of your grief or gather them together and honor them in a conscious way, This year, I will light a giant white candle on Christmas morning and let it burn all day in my Father’s honor beside his picture.
4-Most importantly, know that things are going to get better and that Life is standing by waiting to fill up that hole in your soul with all kinds of wonderful things that you never would have had a chance to experience without this loss.
Take care of yourself and let’s send positive energy to all the people who are grieving this season.
-@ChirlGirl
