Lost a Love One? How to Celebrate that Life During the Holidays

1. Lost a Loved One? Celebrate Their Life During the Holidays When a loved one has passed on, the next group of holidays can be painful and sad. But wouldn't your loved one want you to be happy and joyful, smiling as you remember the good times you shared? To work toward that end, find a way to celebrate your loved one's life this holiday season. The great memories you had with that person can be a place to start. Pictures are always good, too. They may make you feel a bit sad, but there are usually times in that sadness where you'll find yourself smiling or laughing over something silly or touching that you remembered or saw in a picture. Incorporating that loving feeling into your holidays can help you to heal. Let Your Faith Guide You You can use prayer and your spiritual beliefs to help you get through trying or lonely times when you miss your loved one. Often, those feelings are magnified at special times like holidays, and more time to pray or meditate is needed. You might also want to schedule an appointment with a counselor, clergy or spiritual director. Don't be afraid to take the time you need for prayer or to seek counsel from a trusted spiritual leader. Hold onto the understanding that your loved one is at peace. Remind yourself that the struggles they faced in their lifetime are no more. There is comfort in those thoughts. Remember the Happy Times Of course you miss your loved one, but you also have the joy of having known that person for a period of time. Use these tips to help you focus on your happy times together: PO Box 101393 | Nashville, TN 37224 | Tel: 615.226.7668 | TowelandBasin.org

2. 1. Cherish what you had. When the holidays come and you start to get sad over what you don't have, think about all the times you did have. What would your loved one want you to remember about him or her? 2. Focus your energy on being thankful for what was. Whether you had your loved one a long period of time or a short one, you had love in your life for that time. That's a very precious gift. Elevate the value of that gift by savoring the happy moments you remember. 3. Remember the good times. Everyone has memories of their loved ones that make them smile or that they re-live again and again. Take those memories out and look at them over the holidays. 4. Do what's in your heart as the Holy Spirit guides you. You might like to hang up your loved one's stocking at Christmastime, light a candle for them, or make a favorite food or dessert. 5. Make a contribution in memory of your loved one. What charitable organization or cause was important to your loved one? You could make a gift to that nonprofit organization, church or educational institution in memory of your loved one. Mourning is part of the healing process, but remember to celebrate, too. Everyone does things differently when it comes to how they want to show their love for someone who has gone on before them. Focus on a celebration that feels right to you. Because everyone is different, some people might question what you're doing or why. That's okay. Honor your loved one and celebrate their life in a way that brings you joy, light and peace this holiday. PO Box 101393 | Nashville, TN 37224 | Tel: 615.226.7668 | TowelandBasin.org