Grieving Through the Holidays

As we enter the month of November, the Holidays are just around the corner. For some of us, this will be a joyous time. But for others, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be a reminder of what has been lost.  

A Parent. A Child. A Friend. A Sibling. A Co-worker. A Loved One.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is hard, but Holidays without your loved one is the hardest.

Since this time of year has a way of magnifying our grief, let me encourage you by sharing some things that helped me during my grief. 

Give yourself lots of grace if you are missing someone special this Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Ask God for strength and energy to get through the day. Invite friends to pray for you too.

Surround yourself with people who care and can empathize with you. This could be your family, friends, or your small group at church.

Be honest with how you are feeling and let others know what you need. Journal how you are feeling if that helps!

Talk about the loved one you are missing. Let yourself cry if needed; I remember shedding lots of tears.

Don’t put any expectations on yourself to do the same traditions you have done in the past if it is too much for you. 

Guard your heart by taking a social media break. Social Media makes you think that everyone has it all together, and you are the only one whose life has been shattered.

Fill your mind with truth by listening to worship music or reading a helpful book.

Please don’t rush your grief.  Don’t worry about anyone else’s expectations.  You set your pace for the day.

And most importantly, remember that “It is okay not to be okay.”

I know how hard it is to miss a loved one this Holiday, so I will be praying for you as God helps you get through this day. Sending you a big hug!

Love, Jodi

Click here to download and print the 10 Steps to Help You Through the Holidays

If you are grieving this Holiday season, I would love to encourage you. My first book, Depth: Growing Through Heartbreak to Strength was written just for you. I pray the words in the book will bring hope to your hurting heart. 

If you know someone who is walking through loss or disappointment this Thanksgiving & Christmas, I would love for you to consider giving them a copy of my book. (Link to my book page on my website for details)

Grief usually intensifies through the Holidays, so I would love to come alongside and speak words of hope and encouragement to your loved one.

I would also love to pray for them, so please message me and let me know their name. 

Love, Jodi