Lost a Loved

One?

Celebrate
Their Life
During the
Holidays

When a loved one has passed on, the next group of holidays can be painful and
sad. But wouldn't your loved one want you to be happy and joyful, smiling as you
remember the good times you shared? To work toward that end, find a way to
celebrate your loved one's life this holiday season.

The great memories you had with that person can be a place to start. Pictures are
always good, too. They may make you feel a bit sad, but there are usually times in
that sadness where you'll find yourself smiling or laughing over something silly or
touching that you remembered or saw in a picture. Incorporating that loving
feeling into your holidays can help you to heal.

Let Your Faith Guide You

You can use prayer and your spiritual beliefs to help you get through trying or
lonely times when you miss your loved one. Often, those feelings are magnified at
special times like holidays, and more time to pray or meditate is needed. You might
also want to schedule an appointment with a counselor, clergy or spiritual director.
Don't be afraid to take the time you need for prayer or to seek counsel
from a trusted spiritual leader.

Hold onto the understanding that your loved one is at peace. Remind yourself that
the struggles they faced in their lifetime are no more. There is comfort in those
thoughts.

Remember the Happy Times

Of course you miss your loved one, but you also have the joy of having known that
person for a period of time.

Use these tips to help you focus on your happy times together:

PO Box 101393 | Nashville, TN 37224 | Tel: 615.226.7668 | TowelandBasin.org

 1. Cherish what you had. When the holidays come and you start to get sad
over what you don't have, think about all the times you did have. What
would your loved one want you to remember about him or her?

2. Focus your energy on being thankful for what was. Whether you had
your loved one a long period of time or a short one, you had love in your life
for that time. That's a very precious gift. Elevate the value of that gift by
savoring the happy moments you remember.

3. Remember the good times. Everyone has memories of their loved ones
that make them smile or that they re-live again and again. Take those
memories out and look at them over the holidays.

4. Do what's in your heart as the Holy Spirit guides you. You might like to
hang up your loved one's stocking at Christmastime, light a candle for them,
or make a favorite food or dessert.

5. Make a contribution in memory of your loved one. What charitable

organization or cause was important to your loved one? You could make a
gift to that nonprofit organization, church or educational institution in
memory of your loved one.

Mourning is part of the healing process, but remember to celebrate, too. Everyone
does things differently when it comes to how they want to show their love for
someone who has gone on before them. Focus on a celebration that feels right
to you.

Because everyone is different, some people might question what you're doing or
why. That's okay. Honor your loved one and celebrate their life in a way that brings
you joy, light and peace this holiday.

PO Box 101393 | Nashville, TN 37224 | Tel: 615.226.7668 | TowelandBasin.org