Grace for the Journey This Season

As we come to the close of another year, we want to begin with one word: grateful. We are deeply thankful for each of you who continue to walk alongside us in this community. Whether you are here because of a fresh loss, have years of living with grief, or because you love someone who is hurting, we are honored to be part of your journey.

The holiday season often brings many emotions at once. There is celebration, and there is absence. There is memory, and there is longing. There may be moments of peace and sudden waves of sorrow, sometimes in the very same hour. If that sounds familiar, please know this: you are not alone, and these feelings are not uncommon.

Grief does not follow a calendar. It arrives unexpectedly at the sound of a song, the sight of an empty chair, the smell of familiar food, that decoration, tradition, or in the quiet moments when the world seems to slow down. And yet, even in the midst of that, there is a steady choosing to love and breathing your way through each day. That quiet act of perseverance matters more than words can capture. You’re continuing through your grief journey, and that itself is a brave endeavor.

This season, we encourage you to move at your own pace. There is no right way to do the holidays after a loss. Some of you may lean into traditions. Some of you may step away from them. Some of you may be creating something entirely new. All of those choices are valid. This is your journey to travel in a way that is comforting to you.

Permit yourself to:

Say no to what drains you.
Say yes to what brings peace.
Step back when you need rest.
Reach out when you need support. Reaching out for support is not a weakness. It takes courage to recognize your need and act on it. We congratulate you on being able to do this in your process.

Even without grief, this season can be overwhelming. With grief, the emotional load can feel even heavier. Please remember that self-care is not selfish. It is necessary. It may look like quiet mornings, earlier bedtimes, fewer commitments, or simply allowing yourself to feel what you feel without judgment.

Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, Hanukkah, and holiday season, whether surrounded by people or wrapped in quiet, we pray that you feel held, supported, and seen. We hope you can take the time you need for yourself. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we trust that His warmth and love continue to meet us even in the broken places.

And, as always, we gently remind you:

Breathe.
Rest.
Celebrate where you can, in ways that make sense for you.
Relax.

Enjoy what you can. Let others help where you cannot. There is no failure in needing support.

May peace and blessings surround you this season.
May comfort find you in unexpected ways.
May moments of light soften the more challenging moments.
And may you enter the new year knowing that you are not walking this road alone.

From our hearts to yours,
We wish you a very Merry Christmas, a meaningful holiday season, and a Blessed New Year.

With peace, love, and blessings,
Jeni & Teresa

Resources to Support You

Preparing for the Holidays – support and tips
The First Days: Coping with Life After Loss – for those in early grief
My Journey as a Widow: A Widow’s First Journal – for reflection and healing
10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss – free download