Help in navigating grief

THERE’S the glittery “Hallmark” version of Christmas, and then there’s the reality – which can be tinged by the blues.

As a Hobart funeral celebrant, Danielle Conlan knows how difficult Christmas Day can be for people who have lost a loved one.

“For many people, Christmas is the hardest day of the year,” she said.

Ms Conlan, who lost her dad in a car accident in 2015, said she was reminded again of the mixed emotions of the season while conducting a funeral two weeks ago. “I was with a client who farewelled her husband recently, and this is the first Christmas she is spending alone. My heart just broke for her … and I wanted to give a spark of joy to those people who are really struggling.”

In the mere two weeks since that funeral, Ms Conlan has organised a special Christmas Day event for people to celebrate and honour the loved ones they miss.

The free “Our Table” event, which has been supported by Hobart City Council and Hobart City Mission, is aimed at making Christmas a little brighter for people who are grieving.

The free event will be held at the Battery Point Community Hall on Christmas Day and will feature a luncheon for 40 at 1pm, followed by a Christmas memorial service for up to 100 people at 3pm.

The memorial service will feature a “Wall of Remembrance”. The public is encouraged to send a message in honour of a loved one to be displayed on the wall. To contribute a message, or to register your attendance at the 1pm lunch or 3pm memorial service, visit: www.kindredlife.com.au/ourtable/ by December 21.