Search results
- AVOID COMPARISONS. Christmas after losing a loved one feels daunting. You have no energy or enthusiasm, and the fact that everyone else appears to be having the time of their lives makes you feel so alone, envious and generally pretty rubbish.
- RE-EVALUATE TRADITIONS. Although it’s hard to accept things are going to be very different now. As much as you want things to stay the way they always were at this time of year, this can’t always be the case.
- BE HONEST AND OPEN. I cannot stress this enough when it comes to surviving Christmas after losing a loved one. For your own sanity and happiness, be honest.
- DON’T FEEL YOU HAVE TO SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS. When I lost my husband, the thought of writing all my Christmas cards without being able to write his name made me feel sick.
- Home-cooked meal. Sometimes the best thing to give someone is your time and a home-cooked meal. This might be an emotional day for your loved one. Though it’s a time for celebration, it’s still a time for grief.
- Memorial jewelry. If your loved one has their deceased spouse's lock of hair or cremated remains, you can send them in to be turned into a memorial diamond.
- Journal and pen. Sometimes the best gift is also the simplest: reflection and time. It’s okay if your loved one isn’t ready to open up to you about their loss.
- Plant. Plants are a symbol of rebirth and newness. While it’s common to send flowers to exprenice ss your sympathies after a loss, flowers are temporary.
Dec 6, 2019 · First Christmas As a Widow. After the death of your husband, no one holiday is more difficult to endure than your first Christmas. Part of the reason is that Christmas is not just one day, it’s a “season” – from Thanksgiving on.
- Bring Food, But Coordinate with Others
- Come and Clean Her House
- Suggest Ways to Help Rather Than Ask
- Send A Card When You Don’T Know What to Say
- Talk About Your Friend’S Spouse
- Mark Your Calendar with Her Important Dates
- Offer to Take The Kids on A Fun Outing
- Invite Your Friend Out For The Day
- Provide Compassion, Not Pity
- Understand When She Says ‘No’ Or Doesn’T Want to Talk
When tragedy hits, people tend to show up with casseroles, cookies and other edibles. That can be a perfect response. It is particularly good if your friend has kids or grandkids in the house to feed. However, good intentions can quickly overwhelm a grieving family if they receive multiple meals in a single day. Try a website such as TakeThemAMeal ...
It’s not unusual for someone in mourning to struggle with even basic tasks. Help your friend by cleaning the house or weeding the garden. Alternatively, arrange for a handyman to come in and take care of all the items that formerly may have landed on her honey-do list. Again, sites like SignUpGenius and CareCalendarcan help a group of friends coord...
Here’s the catch. If you ask your friend whether she wants help, she could say no even if she really is floundering. “We’re doing ok but thanks” was my standard response when someone asked if they could do something for us. That was one-part pride talking, one-part denial. Plus, people in the thick of grief often have no idea what they need. They a...
Death leaves us feeling helpless, and everything we say seems woefully inadequate. If you don’t know what to say on the phone or in person, send your friend a card. Every card I received after my husband’s death was a comfort. They reminded me other people cared and hadn’t forgotten about me. Skip platitudes about it being God’s will or that he’s i...
Along those same lines, don’t make your friend’s spouse a taboo subject. Too many people seem to want to bury all mention of the deceased. And I get that. People are concerned about upsetting a widow or aren’t sure what they would do if she started crying. It’s awkward for us too. However, it’s even worse to think everyone has moved on with their l...
At a certain point, everyone else’s life does go on. That’s to be expected, but don’t forget that your friend is still grieving. There is no expiration date on her pain. Milestone dates like birthdays, anniversaries and the date of a spouse’s death can be especially difficult. Make a note of these dates in your calendar and when the day arrives, re...
If your friend is caring for kids or grandkids, find an opportunity to take them out for the day. A couple of my friends did just that, and it gave my kids a welcome distraction while providing me with some much-needed time alone at the house. To make it easy for your friend to accept your offer, don’t make it sound like you’re going out of your wa...
Invite your friend to coffee, lunch or a movie. Or anything else you would have done together prior to her husband’s death. Becoming a widow can be an isolating experience. People don’t always know what to say so they say nothing at all. Don’t avoid your friend but continue to include her in activities as you did in the past. Sometimes your friend ...
This is a tough one because there is a fine line between compassion and pity. While I can’t speak for all widows, I must say that I hit a point where it seemed like everyone looked at me with sad eyes and gave the verbal equivalent of “oh, you poor thing.” It was tiring to feel like I had somehow become defined solely by my circumstances. The first...
Everyone grieves differently. Some widows want to be surrounded by others; they want to talk about their husbands to anyone and everyone. Others prefer to stay home alone and process this loss on their own. How people deal with loss changes as time goes on. So don’t take it personally when your friend declines your invitations or offers for help. A...
- A personalized keychain or engraved keepsake. A personalized keychain or engraved keepsake provides a sense of connection and comfort during the grieving process.
- A comforting blanket or throw to provide warmth and comfort. This item is designed to offer physical comfort and warmth during times of grief. It can be a soft and cozy blanket or throw, providing a sense of security and solace when someone feels overwhelmed or in need of emotional support.
- A journal or diary for reflection and expressing emotions. This tool allows individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private and personal way.
- A spa or self-care package. This package typically includes items such as soothing bath products, scented candles, lotions, and other self-care items.
Nov 19, 2023 · If your time is limited or you live far away, sending a thoughtful Christmas card where you actually hand write inside some kind words or share a fun memory is a great source of comfort to the grieving widow.
People also ask
What to give a grieving widow during the holidays?
What gifts should a widow give?
Is Christmas a good time for a widow?
Should you give a sympathy gift to a grieving widow?
How do I support a grieving widow?
How do you deal with a widow?
Dec 4, 2015 · That magic and wonder isn’t there for everyone though, and it certainly isn’t the same for me as it’s going to be my first Christmas as a widow. Everyone says the first year after a bereavement is the toughest, as you experience all these special dates for the first time without the person you really want there.
