Christmas is just a few weeks away, a time of year that we usually associate with joy, gifts, togetherness, music, delicious food, and gatherings with family and friends. If you are blessed with a complete family of loved ones, then surely the arrival of the Christmas days brings you much excitement and hope. But what happens if a loved one is missing? These days may be filled with nostalgia, or even some sadness, as they remind us, even more, of that person who is no longer with us.
Spending Christmas without one of our loved ones can be very hard, but here I tell you how you can remember them with joy so that you can continue enjoying Christmas.
Don't repress your feelings, talk about them: It is completely normal to feel that lack or emptiness in your life, as part of the mourning process, and as I always say, feelings must be channeled correctly and to do so they must be communicated. You will surely find a lot of understanding in your environment, since it is possible that your family is feeling the same, so listen to them and share. It doesn't matter if you shed a tear thinking about that person, cry if necessary, then you will feel better.
For Christmas Eve, prepare a small tribute for your loved one: Is there a dish or song that was his/her favorite? Is there a Christmas ritual that you always practiced together? Did he/she like to go out for a walk with suitcases, or go from house to house singing Christmas carols? Don't stop doing it, and this year prepare it with even more intention, thinking that this person would like you and your family to be happy and not sad. The best tribute you can make is to celebrate Christmas like in the old days when you were all together.
Focus on the children in the family: Christmas is a very special time for children, and they have the right to have wonderful memories of Christmas from their childhood, so make this THEIR holiday, and share the natural joy of children. Share as much time of this season with them as you can.
Think that, although you will never forget your loved one, time heals everything: That is to say, there will come a time when you will be able to remember him/her with joy and gratitude for having had him/her in your life, and the sadness and nostalgia will be left behind.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas!