Surviving the Holidays and Finding Peace

Treat yourselves gently.  Listen to your heart. You alone will know what you can and can’t do. Below is a brief checklist that shows you some options.

Finding Moments of Peace At Holiday Time

• Go to a mass/religious observance that is less crowded & more intimate.
• Ask for a mass or religious observance to be held in their memory.
• Say a toast or have a moment of silence at your gathering.
• Light a candle and place it at your child’s place setting.
• Place pure white flowers in the center of your holiday table in memory of your Heavenly child.
• If you are preparing a holiday meal, include their favorite dishes.
• Place a wreath or flowers at their final resting spot.
• Plant an evergreen tree in memory of your child.
• Place a special ornament on the tree for your Heavenly child. (ie: an angel, a star, etc.)
• Place a wrapped package or two under the tree or by the Menorah for your Heavenly child. Some people found it difficult not seeing a gift there.
• Share stories & memories with close friends and family.
• Create a small remembrance area for your child. Include some favorite photos, small items, etc.
• Donate to a charity in your child’s honor. Encourage your family and friends to give to do so, as well. This is a way for them to still feel like they are giving a gift to your child.
• Give blood, mentor a child, volunteer at a shelter or food cupboard.
• Give small tokens that belonged to your child to those closest to them. (Small stuffed animals, trading cards, drawings, something with their handwriting on it, etc.)
• Cuddle up with those closest to you in peaceful silence.