The older we get it seems the holidays come around faster and faster each year, and with it we anticipate fun and laughter with family and friends. It’s a time when treasured memories surface and annual traditions, foods, and music are shared. However, for a portion of society, the holidays can’t go by fast enough, and with this time of year comes sadness, depression, and the reminder of loved ones no longer here with us.
But there is Hope For The Holidays.
Please don’t cancel the holidays because your loved one is not alive anymore! If you must miss Thanksgiving Dinner or the annual Christmas gathering, please consider still enjoying yourself during this time by doing something special to honor and celebrate the memory of your loved one. What you do can be as small as lighting a candle or as large as donating to a charity in their name.
My first Thanksgiving after my mom passed I gathered in Columbia, South Carolina with my sisters and their families and I made Crucian stuffing (nothing like American stuffing by the way), following the handwritten recipe from my mom. It was rough as it had only been a couple weeks since she had passed. But I would not have traded that time with my family. We were all comforted by being with each other. We had a great time playing games, sharing memories, filling our bellies, and of course laughing at and with each other. It was important and special for me to contribute to the family holiday meal with a recipe my mom had shared with me.
That Christmas I visited Colorado for the first time. My sisters and I flew out there to spend Christmas together with my oldest sister. What a grand time we had in each others company.
So whether you lose a parent, child, spouse, friend or relative remember there is Hope For The Holidays. This hope comes from knowing, acknowledging, and accepting the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ. Because of this you can enjoy the holidays! The fact that you are hurting means your loved one was a significant part of your life and the fond memories are worth cherishing. But whether or not you do something special this year always give thanks to God (Ephesians 5:20) for who He is, what He has done, what He will do, your relationship with your loved ones and the times you had together.
Let’s continue to live and enjoy life – your loved ones would want this for you!
“In everything give thanks…” – I Thessalonians 5:18
Grace & Peace
P.S. Please check in on those that are without their loved ones this Holiday. It will mean a whole lot to them.