MISSING SOMEONE? THERE ARE WAYS TO EASE YOUR PAIN
If you’ve lost a loved one, often you may find that you’d like to just sleep through December and wake up on January 2, without having to go through a heart-wrenching festive season.
Let’s be honest, it will be a difficult time of year, but there are ways in which you can alleviate that pain, even just a little. The most important thing to note is that there is no ‘right’ or
‘wrong’ way of dealing with grief and getting through Christmas. For some, it may feel right to carry on with Christmas as per normal but with some new traditions to acknowledge their lost loved one. For others, the simple act of remembering their loved one − or even acknowledging that it’s Christmas time − is all too painful and difficult.
There’s no right way of feeling or behaving, and it’s important to be kind to yourself and acknowledge that your distress is completely normal.
Often the anticipation of pain on Christmas Day is a lot worse than the actual day itself, so treat yourself gently and with care in the build-up to the big day.
If you are feeling up to acknowledging a loved one who has passed away, here are a few things you could look at doing:
• Light a special candle on the mantelpiece to acknowledge them – keep the flame going whenever you want to feel them close or make them a part of the process.
• Leave a setting for them at the table. Was there a spot they always sat at? Maybe keep their spot free this year and acknowledge them in a toast.
• Make their favourite dish.
Did they always want creamy mashed potato with the meal? Don’t leave it out this year – make it as a nod to them.
• Give a gift to a child in need or donate to a charity in your loved one’s name.