Holiday Blues

As we approach the holiday season, it can be painful to think about the holidays when you are grieving the death of a loved one. It’s hard to imagine the holidays without your loved one present. The upcoming traditions, activities, events, planning, gift buying and many other details can feel overwhelming and stressful to think about and be a part of. Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to skip and completely avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day altogether. But avoiding the holidays and the grief of our loved ones isn’t always possible and isn’t the answer.

As we look to the season of giving thanks, celebrating our Savior’s birth, and the beginning a new year, we can still do so with hope and joy despite the coexistence of the pain and loss in our grief. The celebration of Christmas and Christ’s birth is a reminder of why Christ came. God sent his son to be born of a virgin and to live a sinless life, die on the cross, forgive our sins, and ultimately restore us to a day with no pain or suffering in His presence. As we approach the season, we can be reminded that Christ came to end all suffering. He came to take on the pain and suffering we feel.

Grief counseling is an opportunity to process the difficult feelings and emotions related to the loss of your loved one. As you embark on a journey to heal from the pain, you will be able to gain the confidence and coping skills to face the holidays and other life events throughout the year. Talking with a counselor in a therapy setting can help you gain the perspective to find joy and peace again in the midst of the pain of your grief. There is hope and you can continue to live in the hope of God’s purpose He has planned for your life.