When Christmas is Just Days Away

Understand that the days leading up to Christmas are not meant to be a celebratory event, nor should it feel festive.
Many people experience stress or sadness during the holidays, and it's completely normal to have mixed feelings about this time of year. If you can embrace this understanding, you'll take the pressure and guilt off yourself for not feeling festive or excited about this day. You're not alone in how you feel, and it's okay to give yourself permission to honor your emotions.

Lead with your head. 
This means being intentional in thinking about what you need and what you want to do or avoid in the days leading up to Christmas and on the day itself. Give yourself permission to take things off your plate and not do those things you used to do. For instance, if baking cookies every year feels overwhelming, it's okay to skip it this time and focus on activities that bring you joy.

While still paying attention to your heart cry.
What is your heart saying to you? Don’t ignore the pain—make space throughout these days to give it expression. Some practical tips can be journaling or writing a letter to your loved one about how deeply you miss them. You might look at photos from past Christmases you shared together and allow your feelings to flow freely. In addition, you could talk with a trusted friend about your feelings or engage in a creative activity such as drawing or music to help release your emotions. This intentional approach and varied strategies offer different avenues for expressing your grief and finding comfort during this difficult time.

Listen to your body.
Grief can be exhausting and draining due to the energy expended, whether consciously or subconsciously, in grieving. Sometimes it’s just hard to sleep through the night, or conversely, even to get out of bed in the morning. During this time, you may need more rest than usual. Give yourself permission to take rest breaks throughout the day—this might mean taking a short nap during lunch, allowing yourself to sleep in on weekends, or setting aside quiet time to read or meditate. Again, be intentional with taking things off your plate as needed. Actively choose to prioritize your well-being, such as saying no to extra commitments, or asking for help when you need it. These practical steps can help you care for yourself as you navigate the difficult days of grief this season brings.

Remind yourself that you are not alone.
Grieving is a deeply personal experience, and it's natural to feel a wide range of emotions—sadness, anger, longing, or even moments of peace. Remember, you are not alone in your grief. Try reaching out to others who also loved your departed loved one and reminisce together about the times you shared. Perhaps you can recall a funny story to share and laugh about together, offering comfort and connection as you navigate this difficult season.

And most of all remember that God is with you.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
Even though Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, remember the reason why He came down to this earth was to die on the cross - to save us from our sins and to pay the price for what was due us, so that we could be with Him forever in eternity. In Isaiah 53:3 we are told that God is “a man of sorrows acquainted with grief”. You are not alone. He knows what you are going through. Even when the world around you sparkles with celebration and you feel set apart by loss, God's love surrounds you and understands your pain. If this season feels overwhelming, know that your feelings are valid and you are held in compassion—just as God understands every sorrow.

And one day, 
instead of remembering your loved one through tears and the dread of the Christmas season, you will remember with a smile and look forward once again to the festivities of the Christmas season. But not today – and it is okay. Until then, may you feel God's gentle presence guiding you through each moment, offering hope and healing along the way.