There are so many reasons why some people dread the Holiday season. Let’s explore the list as it is not the same for everyone and feel free to add your comments about other ways you find helpful to get through the Holiday season.
Coping with Illness & Loss During the Holidays…
♪♪Tis the season to be jolly♪♪
It is that time of the year as we are reminded through the songs, the smiling faces, the decorations, the gifts and all of the parties. While, the atmosphere is in a festive mood, sadly not everyone is sharing in the joy of the season. There are families who are having a tough time during the jubilant season.
This may be the first time that everyone is gathered to spend the day as they always do except that there is something different this time, someone is obviously missing. The loss may be from a divorce, separation, military deployment, illness or death. Whatever the reason, it can affect the mood of those who are facing the holidays without their loved one.
The first Thanksgiving without my father was difficult as he was the family chef during the holidays. Our mother cooked all of the meals throughout the year – Thanksgiving and Christmas was a feast on another level. We considered having our dinner catered. We just wanted to gather together and have dinner and spend our time together as a family. While we were grateful for the years we shared with our father, we were in the midst of mourning all that he meant to us especially on a day where we looked forward to his delicious spread.
 In the case where your loved one is in the hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility, perhaps a visit will cheer everyone up. It will definitely make your loved one feel better knowing that they are not forgotten..
Remembering the good times is key. Memories may deliver a mixture of emotions. One moment there may be tears as you wish that your loved one could be with you all, while the next moment may be filled with laughter as you recall the happy times. Laughter is the best medicine, I know this for sure, laughter has helped us through some very tough times during the holidays. It sure takes adjusting especially in the cases where there is a permanent loss.
There is a saying ‘Time heals all wounds’ which it does. However, it takes time – some longer than others. The best way to cope is to acknowledge your feelings then allow yourself to embrace the transition of understanding that while life will never be the same, your life must go on.
SOLUTIONS Cancer Resource Center, Inc. 