Missing our loved ones at Christmas

The times we’re living in are once again likely to mean a different Christmas experience this year.

In the US alone, there’ll be thousands of families missing a loved one — lost to COVID — from the Christmas dinner table.

Thousands of other families around the world will have the same experience.

There are still more people with loved ones who’ve passed — of old age, or too young, taken too soon, or by cancer, or cruel accident… death doesn’t discriminate.

Others are missing those still living, from whom they’re separated by physical or emotional distance.

So if you’re missing a loved one — or loved ones — this Christmas, as I am, you’re certainly not alone.

What makes each of our situations unique, though, is our relationships: with our loved ones, with grief, and with the rest of our families and friends. Perhaps even with Christmas itself.

I've said before that no one treads the path of grief in the same way. Our journeys vary vastly.

My mum loved Christmas.
She loved watching 'Carols by Candlelight'.
She loved 'The Little Drummer Boy'.
I'm sure her child-like heart was happiest at Christmas.

Last Christmas was our first spent separated by death, yet reassured that she is with our loved ones in the next life.

This year has been a little easier. There have still been times when I’ve struggled to hold back tears, but they aren’t as frequent now.

If this is your first Christmas without someone you love, be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. That's always brought me comfort and joy, and I hope it does the same for you.

Merry Christmas to you all.