If you are like me, the joy of the upcoming holidays is
numbed by the grief of our stillborn child.
I find it hard to join the mainstream happy holiday spirit, so I have
been reflecting on ways to bring meaning to our bereaved family this holiday
season. Here are some ideas that are
comforting to us:
Burn a special candle for your loved one throughout the
holiday season
Buy a gift you would have given your loved one and donate it
to a child in need
Buy
or make a memorial ornament - I love these two:
Picture property of stillbornandstillbreathing.com |
Fill
a clear glass ball ornament with strips of paper with messages and wishes for your loved one
Picture property of thriftycraftygirl.com |
Fill a clear glass ball ornament with belongings from your baby – her hospital bracelet, hospital hat,
charms that were given to you, or other remembrances
Start a new holiday tradition
Hold a candlelight vigil – gather friends and family, light candles,
and listen to Christmas carols
Set
a place for your loved one at the dinner table.
If that’s too difficult, invite someone from your loved ones past to
dinner
Hang a stocking for your loved one
Donate to a charity in your loved one’s name
Visit or spend time in a place where you feel close to your
loved one – her grave, a memorial tree, etc.
Bring flowers or another comfort.
If you can’t do the big family Christmas Eve or Christmas
dinner, then don’t!
If you need to be surrounded by family and friends, then do host a big Christmas Eve or
Christmas dinner!
(This is where I think
there is a difference between introvert and extrovert grievers – and that’s OK!)
What are your family's traditions? Please share them with me!
What are your family's traditions? Please share them with me!
~~~
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