Oh boy, I hate the holidays.

Six years ago, my family and I suffered a tremendous loss. My niece was tragically taken away from us. Her death has left a void in our lives. As with me, I know how difficult celebrating the holidays can be when you are mourning the loss of your loved one. I want to share a few ways that you can ease some of your sorrow, and enjoy your holiday season.

Do you get down around the holidays? Well, don't. It's time to reinvent your experience, switch it up a bit, and turn that frown into a great big smile. Do something fun.

1.  Take a vacation. Escape the norm. Go grasp some sun and remove yourself from that depressing environment.

2.  Make the holidays about your loved one. Dedicate the day to them, implement a program, fill the day with memories of your loved one. Make their favorite foods. Incorporate their favorite sayings, create a mini memorial, but a happy one.

3.  Acknowledge how you feel and try extra hard to be happy. Decorate the house with brightness and vibrant scents. Play happy music. Dance.

4.  Introduce the family to games. Assignments on gratitude are always encouraging and entertaining. Maybe wine tasting. Talent show.

5.  Give small gifts to your guests. Seeing smiles on the faces of others will always add joy.

6.  Go out for dinner. Create new holiday memories. Do something less traditional.

7.  Decorate with your loved ones (place pictures all over the house). Make a place for them at the table. Talk to them. 

8. Turn your phone off; pray, meditate, watch movies or your favorite television shows, just spend time with you. It's okay to stay in pajamas all day and just do nothing, you can also shed a tear or two.

9.  Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Give to the community.

10. Don't cook. Spend time at a friend's home. Laugh. Love. Learn to be Happy.

BONUS:  Write a letter to your loved one stating why you were grateful having them in your life than write a list of all the things you are thankful for... Have a Happy Holiday! Celebrate Life.


~Karlyn LeBlanc
I spend every Christmas with my deceased niece's two children, being around her girls add joy to my holidays...

Check out our website www.LoveLeMenu.com

Comments

  1. Hollywood StaryaDecember 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM

    This article was very helpful. I am getting a picture of mom and nice frame and placing in my office.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karlyn LeBlancDecember 21, 2014 at 12:51 AM

      Very Nice. You may want to get Lonnie one too for a Christmas gift. Something significant that can help with his healing...

      Delete

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