It’s OK to be Sad at Christmas

It's OK to be Sad at Christmas

If you are sad this Christmas, it is ok.

We tend to feel that the holidays aren’t a time for sadness. That we should magically “feel better” or at least pretend to be doing fine. And while around some people it may be easier or best to pretend, it is important that with ourselves and our trusted friends, we be honest.

Share your sorrow with someone who also shares it. If a friend or family member has died this year, others are also missing them. Reach out, be a connection and remind them – affirm for yourself – no one is alone.

Rarely does any conversation about grief remain sad the entire time. People are remarkable in that way. I don’t know that I’ve attended a funeral where no one laughed. People love to laugh and the laughs come easier the sadder the moment is. So don’t put off mentioning something sad because you are afraid you’ll ruin an evening. You won’t – you’ll enrich it with your honesty and truth and likely, a funny story of memory will be triggered that sparks joy.

It’s ok to be sad at Christmas. It’s right that you miss the person who has always been with you and who suddenly isn’t anymore.

Face your sorrow with acceptance and honesty. Look at this Christmas and name it – it could be a hard, sad, miserable Christmas, maybe the worst one you’ll ever have. Name it and in doing so, take the pressure off of yourself to make it something it can’t be this year.

There is freedom in truth. And there is healing in ceremony.

Light a candle, listen to a song, put out a favorite ornament or bake a favorite dessert – do something small that reminds you of them and brings their presence into your Christmastime. There are simple things you can do to instill tradition, keep their memory close, and move through Christmas with meaning.

That is my hope for all of you who are sad and grieving this Christmas.

Molly Keating
Molly Keating
Hello! I'm Molly and I run & manage the Blog here at O'Connor. I grew up in a mortuary with a mortician for a father who's deep respect for the profession inspired me to give working at a mortuary a try. Work at O'Connor has brought together two of my deep passions, writing & grief awareness. In 2016 I earned Certification in the field of Thanatology, the study of Death, Dying and Bereavement. I am honored to be able to speak on these taboo topics with knowledge, compassion, and a unique perspective. I want to sincerely thank you for following & reading the blog, I hope that this is a healing place for you.

4 Comments

  1. Diane Stelling says:

    True. My Dad passed Dec 24. I always think of him but I know he’s in heaven ❤️

  2. Peggie Wallsgrove says:

    Thank you for this statement I lost my Dad on Christmas Eve after a long battle lung cancer – he is always in our hearts and is missed big time!

  3. Sharon Watkins Nicholl says:

    Once again dear Molly you bring support, comfort and healing through your insightful words. Thank you dear friend. I love and miss my O’Connor family of friends. Merry Christmas❤

  4. Jean says:

    I have lost special people in my life on Christmas Eve and others close to Christmas. There are some losses that one never gets over but the pain decreases with time and the good memories

    will always be there.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *