As we approach the upcoming year, it is a good time to review the goals we set out for ourselves in 2011. How did you finish up? Did you achieve them all? Are some still incomplete? Were some goals completely off the charts and no matter how hard you tried, they stayed out of your […]
Read More...Alcohol and the Holidays
In our society, food and beverages are major components of celebrations and festivities. Christmas and New Year’s is a week filled with opportunities to partake in both. We all know that moderation is key; however, keeping it in check is the tricky part. There are so many expectations around this time of year. We often […]
Read More...The True Intent of Boxing Day
For millions, Boxing Day is the highlight of the festive season. They have no issue lining up for hours and hours to get the best buys in the department stores. I, on the other hand, cannot be bothered to step foot anywhere near shopping malls or stores. Boxing Day originated in the Victorian era and had […]
Read More...Silent Night
Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Saviour is born Christ, the […]
Read More...A Christmas Poem
I have a list of folks I know, all written in a bookAnd every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look,And that is when I realize that these names are a partNot of the book they are written in, but really of my heart For each name stands for someone who has […]
Read More...Grief at Christmas
For most families, Christmas is a time rich with tradition and filled with joyful festivities. People look forward to spending the holidays with family and friends, exchanging gifts, indulging in delectable treats and reminiscing about the good old days. On the other hand, for bereaved families, the tinsel, decorated trees, and angelic singing of Silent […]
Read More...Heart Vs. Head
The work of grieving and mourning is heart work not head work! When we stay in our heads while grieving, we over analyze our feelings or dismiss them. We fall prey to the myth that time should heal all and we should just get over what has happened to us. Grieving and mourning are heart work. […]
Read More...Loss During the Holidays
Although each of us wishes the holidays to not be marred by tragedy it is something we don’t necessarily have control over. It is the unthinkable and the unexplainable … that something awful could happen to someone we love at such a wonderful time of year. Our grandmother died the week before Christmas one year. […]
Read More...Christmas Memories
Holiday memories can be both happy and sad. In general, memories can bring us joy or they can trigger pain. The happy memories are easy to deal with, but the painful ones can unleash a host of feelings and emotions. If you have unhappy holiday memories, find a way that works for you to reconcile […]
Read More...Be Selfish ~ Do Something Nice for Yourself
I know we are raised to NOT be selfish, but sometimes that is exactly what is needed. I have written many times about the exhausting grief process. And, we know how exhausting the holiday season can be so for the bereaved, they may feel it even more so. Between now and the holidays, choose one […]
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It is an honor to share my journey through grief with you. Although my story is that ~ my story~ it is important for me to acknowledge that many people shared in the losses that I share here. Each of us had a different experience and each of us grieved and mourned in a unique way. While I empathize and truly shared in the pain of others who were also affected by these tragedies, I can only speak for myself and share...