How to help ourselves through the holidays.  By Donna Kalb

There are many holidays or special days, such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and Easter, to name a few.  These are difficult days for the bereaved, but for many, the most difficult holiday of the year is Christmas.  This day, more than any other, means a family together.  They are synonymous and it is at this time we are so acutely aware of the void in our life.

For many, they wish to go from November 24 to January 2.  We continually hear Christmas carols and people wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  We see the perfect gift for our loved one who has died, and suddenly realize they will not be here to enjoy it.  Eventually, the Christmas season will not be so difficult.  This statement may not seem possible to those newly bereaved, but grief will soften and you will begin to enjoy life again, inclucing Christmas.