Many folks, bereaved or not, have struggles during the holiday season.
If that’s you, please know that it’s OKAY to not feel festive and merry.
Your feelings are valid, and no one should make you feel guilty for being on a different page than they are.
If things are going well for you, but you know of someone who is struggling, consider reaching out to them. This is the perfect time of year to include those who may not have anyone with whom to celebrate.
If they decline an invite, however, don’t take it personally. Sometimes it’s difficult for people to accept an invitation, as they don’t want to feel like a burden. You can support their decision by leaving a plate of festive holiday treats with them.
You can also simply give them a Christmas Card. If you have the means, a Gift Card that can help buy groceries or a special treat is also a nice touch.
For most of my young life, it never even occurred to me that people might not enjoy the holidays. It wasn’t until I was older and dealing with my husband, who hated holidays, that I began to understand.
It’s not just loss that can make the holidays tough; it’s often so much more.
So to those who are feeling blue right now: You are seen. You are appreciated. You are valued.
You are loved.
About Layla Beth Munk
Layla Beth Munk is a blogger & author who was thrust into this widowhood journey abruptly and tragically on February 11, 2018. Her husband of 12 years had ended his pain once and for all. She soon made the decision that she would not let his final decision define the rest of her life or their daughter’s life, so with her sense of humor at the helm, she started writing about her newfound station in life. Grief waves still get to her, and probably always will, but with the help of her fellow widows as well as friends and family, she has been able to realize her dream of becoming a published author! Layla is so grateful to Hope For Widows Foundation for providing this level of support to her, and so many others! Layla has two amazing children, one who is grown and one who is almost grown. She lives in eastern Oregon and has a wellness & beauty background. Layla enjoys writing poetry, watching anime, and homeschooling her daughter.
Her blog can be found at laylabethmunk.medium.com and her debut novella, 24 Hours in Vegas, is available on Amazon.