Christmas time and the summer holidays are a magical time of year where friends and families come together to celebrate and bring in the New Year. It’s a time for joy, hope and remembrance. When we see children’s eyes light up on Christmas morning or gather with friends on New Years Eve to reflect on the past year, everything just feels right.
However, we also know that same glimmer can diminish quickly after the passing of a close friend or family member. While this time of year can be a time of rejoice, it can also be difficult for those whose have lost a loved one during this period.
When you have lost someone special, your world losses its celebratory qualities. Holidays only seem to magnify the loss. The sadness feels sadder and the loneliness goes deeper. The need for support is typically greatest during the holidays.
So, if you know someone who has lost a loved one, why not reach out during the holidays and show that you are thinking of them. Not only will this help keep your relationship strong, sometimes all it takes is a small gesture that can go a long way when it comes to helping with the grief and healing.
Something as simple as sending a thoughtful Christmas or Seasons greeting card with a small note acknowledging that, although their loved ones aren’t here this year, their memory lives on. This is one of those holiday memorials that doesn’t have to be elaborate, nor does it have to be a long letter. But it’s this type of gesture will warm their hearts and lighten their holiday mood.
Or if you yourself are grieving, remember to be gentle with yourself, don’t do more than you want or need to, and don’t do anything that does not serve your soul and your loss. Most of all take some time out for yourself, remember them in your own way, knowing that your family and friends will be there to support you.
Happy Holidays and Merry Xmas from us
From the family at Southern Cross Funeral Directors (Sydney), we wish you all a safe and happy time during the festive season.
We understand the difficulties when dealing with the passing of a loved one at this time of year, so most of all we hope you are surrounded by the love and memories of your friends and families, which after all, is what makes this time of year special!
