The Grieving Grinch
With the holiday season upon us, let us take the time to acknowledge that not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, but the worst and hardest time of the year.
Some might frown more than they smile. They might cry more than they laugh. They might walk through the grocery store with their eyes glued to the ground just to avoid eye contact and a simple exchange of “Merry Christmas.” They might not go to the Christmas party or decorate their house. They might boycott Christmas altogether.
Please do not be quick to judge the actions of the grieving grinch.
This real-life grinch is not a cave-dwelling creature with a loyal dog. They are walking among us, missing a part of their heart that truly makes it feel “two sizes too small.”
The grieving grinch is experiencing Christmas for the first time without their loved one here on Earth. The first time buying one less present or setting the dinner table with one less plate. The first-time experiencing traditions alone. The first time writing only “From Grammy” on all of the grandkid’s presents. The first-time hearing, one less excited squeal as Santa’s gifts are ripped open. The first-time taking Christmas card photos as a family of 4 instead of 5.
Give them grace this holiday season.
Love them, acknowledge their pain, and invite them to joyous gatherings. They will most likely say “no thank you,” and you may feel like you failed. Trust me, they feel loved and feel seen through that simple invite.
If you receive a bitter no, a grouchy comment, or no response at all, don’t take it to heart.
The grieving grinch is learning to live with a heart “two sizes too small.”
The above writing was composed by my daughter a couple of years after losing her dad and a month after losing her grandpa.
When I came across the writing this year, I knew some souls needed to hear it and share it with loved ones.
This time of the year brings so much to all of us. The magic of Santa. The wonder in innocent young lives. The hope in the birth of Jesus.
It also brings sadness, reminders, anger, and absence.
Christmas beauty is not only seen through the twinkling lights and glistening snow. It is also found in the silence of sitting or a tear falling at the sound of Judy Garland singing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
You may be the Grieving Grinch this time of the year, and I validate that that is ok.
Within the grace of the season, there is peace not felt. Traditions may need to stay in place or be completely changed. That special angel that sat at the top of the Christmas tree may stay placed wrapped up in its box this year. The shopping date with coffee in hand buying up all those requested gifts for the kids will most likely be purchased online instead.
So as you navigate through the Christmas season, I pray you feel the presence of your lost loved one next to you. That there is a glimpse of joy that fills you and that the celebration of the birth of Jesus brings you the calm and hope you need.
Love and Blessings
About Jacki Corta
Jacki Corta is a motivational speaker, intuitive life, and grief coach along with the founder and CEO of Strength > Struggle™. The brand she discovered after traveling the journey of cancer with her husband. She started the Strength>Struggle™ crusade, helping others find their inner strength during some of the scariest times. In 2014, her husband, Douglas was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer and 20 months later passed away, giving Jacki a new title… Widow. It is Jacki’s mission to share her story with the world and how it can positively impact others in whatever they may face. It is a story of unexplainable strength in life’s most challenging storms, overcoming adversity and finding hope while traveling the difficult path her life took.
It is her ability to communicate and willingness to be vulnerable that connects with her clients and audiences. Jacki believes her purpose here is to impact as many souls as possible showing them that through even the darkest days there is a glimpse of light to grab onto for them to find their strength. Jacki will empower, challenge, and give you a new outlook on your own story.
She is a mother of three adult girls and a Mimi to two beautiful granddaughters. You can follow more of her story and inspiration on Instagram @jackicorta or listen to her podcast Jacki Has a Voice on Spotify.