"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;"
~Ecclesiastes 3:1-4~

Did you know that it is normal to miss a loved one more at Christmas
then any other time of year?

It doesn't even have to be a recent loss. Some times we miss loved ones more at holidays than any other time of year. The first year really is the hardest.

Here are some practical ideas
for you to consider this Christmas:

1: Don't expect too much from yourself this year.
2: Don't apologize for your feelings or for your tears.
3: Don't be alone. Invite someone over. Try arranging a SHORT visit the first
time. You will probably tire a little easier this year.
4: When you and the family are together remember it is OK to talk about the
happy memories you have about Christmas's past and your loved one.
5: Don't feel guilty if you are having a good time.
6: During the first year of mourning you will cry for absolutely no particular
reason at all.
7: Visit the grave and take a poinsettia plant or flowers
8: If you feel up to it volunteer to help with a charity or church activity.
9: Attend a candle light service or Christmas Carol Sing Along.
10: The movies are open on Christmas day so take a box of Kleenex and cry.
11: You may not want to decorate the house for Christmas this year and that
is really ok. Of course if you have young children in the home you may need
to put their needs before your own. And then again you may not be able to
the first Christmas.
12: Don't do Christmas cards this year.
13: Journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings.
14: If you are able to sit and read again then open the Bible to the story of
Jesus Christ our Savior's birth. Read it out loud.
15: Work on a special Scrap book or a Photo Album. It can all be about your
loved one whom you have lost. Put the names and dates of the pictures in a
caption below each picture. Write our your memories and different thoughts
about your family member who has just passed away. You can make another
copy for a gift for another family member to enjoy.
16: Put some Christmas music on and SING.
17: Visit Annie's Bless Your Heart Page to learn how to take good
care of YOU!
18: Get out your address book and call an old friend on the phone to wish
them a Merry Christmas.
19: Try not to over do it this year.
20: If you normally write a Christmas Letter to put in your Christmas cards
why not choose not to this year. Instead you may want to send one for
Valentines Day or later in the year.
21: Borrow a child and take them shopping for their parents gifts.
22: Don't forget to eat. Some people get headaches when they don't eat.
Have you eaten anything today? Sometimes that can make you feel just
a little off if you don't eat.
23: If you live where there is snow..........Make a Snow Angel.
24: Consider adopting a pet from your local Humane Society. Here is an
article to read: Animal magnetism: Pets add touch of home for sick or
bedridden people

I hope that these were helpful ideas and that they were able to bring you cheer and lift your spirits just a wee bit.

Don't despair! Eventually you will have a
Merry Christmas
It just might not be this year.

I have some other pages that
may be helpful for you:

Annie's Barnabas was an Encourager Page - We all need encouragement.
Learn how Barnabas encouraged others.
Annie's Bee an Internet Missionary Page what a wonderful opportunity
to share our faith with others.
Annie's Bible Study Resources Page is a wonderful collection of Online
Study Resources.
Annie's Chronic Pain/Illness Survivors Page are you a person who endures
with Chronic Pain or Survivor of Cancer? Another page where you can
find support and encouragement.
Annie's Comfort Page - Similar to a Bible Promise Book.
Annie's Email Encouragers Page - There are some wonderful Christians
who would love to pray for you and encourage you.
Annie's "Prayer and the Email Encourager's" Page This is a page where
you can submit a prayer request and the EE's will be glad to prayer for
you. We send out a prayer mailing each day to the EE's.
Annie's Testimony Page - This page also shares about my brothers death.
A Message for You from Heaven - Poems that will comfort and encourage
you.

Link from Another Site:
Focus on the Family Links: End-of-Life Scriptures & Hospice Care
Bereaved Parents Information and Resources
Dealing with Death Information and Resources
Widows and Widowers Information and Resources
NEW - Umbrella Ministries is a non-denominational ministry, with the sole mission to offer
comfort, hope, and encouragement to mothers who have suffered the loss of a child.
NEW - When Families Grieve from PBS with Elmo and Katie Curic

Annie's Home Page

Annie's Featured Holiday Page

Annie's Holiday Page

Annie's Featured Page

Annie's "Featured Page" Page

Email Annie