... That they can make up their minds at the last minute or decide not to come at all.
・Give them grace if they don't respond to your texts or calls. Keep reaching out.

・Check in more frequently to make sure your friend or family member is okay.
・Say their loved ones' names. Share a memory or story.
・Offer to drop off a meal, run errands or help decorate.
・Be flexible. Tell them they can arrive late or leave early from your holiday gathering ...

Check in. Say their pet's name. Ask if they have time for a walk, a cup of coffee or a chat.

Their house feels way too quiet without their beloved companion, especially this time of year.

#holidaysafterloss

Your tree is full of so many memories. And so much love.”

~ Joanna Rowland, “The Memory Tree”

www.amazon.com/s?rh=p_66%3A...

They don't blanch at four-letter words, and they know exactly when some dark humor is called for.

So as you navigate the holiday gauntlet, which may feel full of intact families with shiny lives, stay close to your beloveds who get it. Vent, laugh, cry & hold each other close.

Read a good mystery novel. Watch reruns of "Schitt's Creek" or "The Office." Take a bubble bath.

Remember that everyone you know "is fighting a battle you know nothing about" (Unknown). You just wouldn't know it from reading their Facebook page.

Now, placing them on our tree brings more joy than grief & allows me to embrace the happy memories. As I sit in the glow of the Christmas tree, seeing Eric's ornaments keeps him with us in a way that's deeply comforting."

~ Casey Mulligan Walsh

Our lists are long & tempers are short. Grief leaves you raw & exposed, which makes shielding yourself from holiday stress harder. Make time for you. Disconnect from social media. Go for a walk. Take a hot bath. Read a book. Take a nap. Stand outside under the stars. Breathe ...

*Daunted by the idea of decking the halls? Put a few favorite decorations in the most trafficked areas of the house instead.

*Not up for hosting or making your traditional dishes? Ask another family member to host or support a local restaurant by ordering from them instead.

Before Doy died, his dark eyes looked ahead and he said, 'Look for me in the trees. I will be there in the trees.'”

www.irishtimes.com/opinion/lett...

But you don't survive a shattering loss by avoiding grief or "powering through." Instead, make a small space for sadness.

Grief and love are woven together. By allowing yourself to feel the pain of your loss, you may feel the presence of your absent loved one even more.

#holidaysafterloss