It’s been said that the holiday season “is the most wonderful time of the year”, but if you have lost someone close to you, it can be a challenging time. Many of our parishioners have experienced a “loss” over the last couple of years and most likely, are still grieving. Since the holidays revolve around family and close friends, this is a difficult time for people who are grieving. Instead of happiness and joy, this season tends to magnify the loss, sadness and loneliness. Do not ignore the feelings of grief, but rather accept them. Accept support from family and friends. Remembering your loved one and acknowledging the loss during the holiday season is part of the healing process as you go forward.
- There are a number of ways, to memorialize your loved one:
- Say a prayer before a holiday meal in memory of your loved one
- Light a candle or request a mass intention at St. Therese for your loved one
- Do an act of kindness or service to others in memory of your loved one.
- Start a new tradition in honor or your loved one.
- Volunteer at a nonprofit in memory of your loved one.
- Go out to dinner or a special event in honor of your loved one.
- Invite your family to visit and help decorate your loved one’s final resting place.
- Consider giving a present to close family members in honor of your loved one. I created a book of my mom’s favorite recipes with pictures and gave them to family members.
Dealing with loss takes considerable physical and emotional energy. Focus on spiritual, religious, personal, and comforting traditions, rather than energy-draining activities like entertaining and shopping. Pace yourself and do not overextend yourself. Practice self-care activities you enjoy and allocate quiet time to reflect. Give yourself permission to grieve and avoid thoughts that make you feel guilty. Reach out to your support system. Often they want to help but don’t know what to do. Guide them on what would make you feel better. Remember the way you feel this year is not forever. Grief takes time and is unique to each individual. And although we will also always miss our loved one, we will eventually go on with our lives and once again feel joy.
If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, or you might even be already grieving while caring for someone who is terminally ill, has dementia or Alzheimer’s, our St. Therese of Lisieux’s Grief Support Group will be restarting January 24, 2023 through March 21, 2023 on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM-2:30 PM. This 9-week support group is open to new and previous participants. Please RSVP registration to the Parish Office at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Ext. 320 or Marilync@stol.church.
References:
- Why the Holidays Are Not Always Jolly, Harold W.Vicks Funeral Home.
- Handling Holidays and Anniversaries, Dr. Marilyn K. Gilbert.
