Thank you to Rebecca for submitting this wonderful post about thriving through the holidays as a loss mom. She gives some really excellent tips that I love, and I think you will too ❤ I particularly love these two point that I’ll past here. I definitely suggest clicking to read the full article!

Schedule Fun- I’m sure if you are deep in your grief having fun is the last thing you’d think you are capable of. But I promise you, you can do it and it will help! I use the word schedule because sometimes this time of year it can be hard to just spontaneously fit things in. Plan a winter date night, drive around after dark to look at the lights, drink too much hot cocoa, treat yourself to a pedicure or massage, plan a family vacation, or invite friends over for a game night. Whatever will bring you the most happiness; schedule it, put it on your calendar, and DO IT! Grief is the thief of joy- but it doesn’t have to be. Just because you are grieving doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve to also have a break and have some fun.

Be Transparent- As we navigate through our loss it is difficult to remember that others can’t necessarily see how deep our pain is or know what we need during this trigger-filled season. If we are transparent with our emotions it will allow our friends and families to see how best they can help. That being said, I know how hard it is to do this. It is much easier to close off and expect people to just know what to say or do. However, when we are open and share we are almost always met with someone willing to listen. I have seen this to be true in my own life, especially around the Holidays.

Read the full post over at The Ivy Nest.