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Loving on the Lonely and Sad During The Holidays

Holiday Sadness

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Right?

True for many, but not for everyone…

The holidays can be a time of loneliness, sadness and depression for some.  They may be experiencing a holiday without a loved one for the first time, are isolated and looking out on a merry world that they’re not part of, or their depression is sharpened by the jolly expectations during this time of year.

The beauty is that there are simple ways to be a blessing to someone who may fall in one of these non-enviable positions and I can sum it up with two words… I’ll explain in today’s video.

Being generous of heart doesn’t cost a thing, but it does take a little effort.  If you get stuck in figuring out for whom you will bless or what you will do, just recite one of my favorite quotes: “Do the next right thing.”

I’m so thankful you’ve chosen to spend some time with me here today!

Please share this post with your friends, family and co-workers.  You never know who will be blessed because you did.

Jill xx

If you prefer bulleted lists, I wrote a post a couple years ago with simple holiday reminders and you can read it here.

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How to Deal With the Grief You Are Experiencing Today

Are you experiencing grief today?

Whether it’s from the death of a loved one, or even the loss (of what once was normal and good) of someone still living, grief is something everyone will experience in their lives at some point.

Today, I’ve decided to do a VLOG (video blog) because I want to look you in the eyes and offer some suggestions on things you can do today to help you during this painful time in your life.

Mentioned in the video:

The 5 Stages of Grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

If you found this video helpful or know someone who could benefit from seeing it, please share.

Thanks for spending time here with me today!

Jill xx

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Grief During the Holidays

Amidst the beauty and joy of the holidays, there is also some very deep grief being felt by many who have lost a loved one.

Whether it’s the first holiday celebrated without a loved one or the 10th anniversary of their death, the holidays really magnify the loss.

How can we help the holiday season be a little brighter this year for someone who is grieving?

While there is no perfect answer and each situation is different, the point is to make an effort to be sensitive to those who are grieving and show them love and compassion.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Send them a card letting them know you are thinking about them.
  • Call and tell them you are thinking about them. If they don’t answer, leave a short, sweet message.
  • Include them in your holiday celebrations, but graciously accept their refusal if they are not up to it.
  • Take them out for coffee, to a movie, or for a walk.
  • Be a good listener. This is a good time to keep your mouth closed.  Sometimes the things we say with an intention to comfort may produce the opposite result.
  • Tell them your favorite story about their loved one. From the day my mom died, almost 11 years ago, to now, I love it when people share their memories of her.
  • Pray for their hearts to be healed. “God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

Grief.com offers the following list of ten of the best and worst things to say to someone in grief:

best and worst things to say to someone grieving from grief dot com

Have you lost a loved one?  Is there anything you would add to these lists?

If you are reading this and are grieving the loss of a loved one, I am so very sorry for your loss.   If you would like to share a story of your loved one or maybe just mention their name as a tribute here on this blog, it would be an honor.  I will start by leaving a comment myself.

Jill xx

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