The Christmas season is supposed to be a time of joy, happiness, laughter and fun. However because of the loss of a loved one, for many people, the holidays are just plain tough. If you or someone you know is dealing with Holiday Grief, here are some keys to help you through the season.
~Faith~
Never underestimate the power of prayer. Honest conversation with God above. Share your emotions with Him: anger, sadness, frustration, loneliness, pain. You may even want to pray aloud or write down your prayers. As well, do not forget that faith in God gives us hope for an eternal reunion with those who have gone on ahead.
~Family~
Stay close to other family members. They know you and will love you through this time of pain. In addition, they may be sharing some of the same grief. Being together, will help process the loss, overcome loneliness and keep one another encouraged.
~Friends~
Sometimes we just need to be with people who will let us be ourselves. Get together with some true friends that will cry with you, laugh with you, talk with you or just let you sit and say nothing at all.
~Future~
One of the most difficult things to face after the loss of a loved one is the future. Nothing feels the same. However, we must remember that our loved ones would want us to go on. One of the greatest ways to honor someone who has passed away, is to live life to the fullest. Make each day count.
~Forward~
Volunteer. Reach out to others. Give of yourself to help someone in need. When we begin looking outward and helping others, our focus moves from our pain to the pain and need of someone else. Volunteering is a powerful force in moving forward.
Unwritten 
Thank you for sharing your insight. I have a friend …lifelong friend since I was 4 and she was 5 …lifetime friend of 51 years ..who was diagnosed with stage iii lung cancer back in April. I think she is stage IV now …but still maintains her weight, etc ..although not herself because of chemo and radiation and perhaps the disease. I’m still praying for a miracle ..although mindful that sometimes total healing isn’t until in heaven with God. She recently said she wished Christmas would hurry up and pass as she just doesn’t feel like celebrating.
Secretly, I was thinking …but this might be your last and make the most of it. I did say ..I am not in your body and I know you don’t feel well …but you should try to enjoy some things and make the most of it.
She keeps saying ..”When I feel better, I will do “, and I just wish she could do some things anyway. Even her doc tells her to do things.
I’m not judging ..but justthinking getting out with people close too might lift her spirits and put good vibes thru her. And I know ..no one wants to do things when not feeling well. Feels like a tightrope balancing act in wanting to do the right thing for my friend and constantly worrying about the verbal minefield.
She is a Christian but isn’t feeling God at all right now. She isolates and sleeps a lot. And gets emotional when thinking about the holidays and God.
I wish God would drop a sign with directions on how to best handle these things. I suppose he has with his word.
Sorry so long with this.
I agree wholeheartedly with your post.
These are difficult things to manuveur through for sure. Keep being a friend and give grace and patience. I will be praying for you and your friend.