Finding Joy While Grieving During the Holidays 

Faith

Today’s post is written by my good friend, and excellent writer, Mary. She shares with us today about finding joy while grieving during the holidays. 

Growing up, my family gathered at my grandparents’ house on Thanksgiving morning with side dishes, desserts, excitement, and hungry bellies ready to be filled. The screen door slammed shut as the grandkids raced to see who could reach the hay barn first – eager to play hide-and-seek among the bales. When the farm bell rang to call us to dinner, we hurried back to the house, ready to enjoy the feast before us. After dinner, we gathered around the TV to watch football. 

Traditions & Joy

My husband remembers a quieter Thanksgiving. His family spent their mornings watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, followed by a traditional meal of turkey, dressing, and sides. After lunch, he and his mom began their annual tradition of decorating the house.  

Those memories shaped our love for the holiday season. Neither of us realized the deep joy those traditions brought until chairs sat empty. 

Friend, I wonder if you have empty chairs at your table this year. Are you going through a season filled with grief, questioning if the pain will ever go away? Do you find it challenging to maintain family traditions now that a loved one is no longer with you? 

Can I share something with you? I know where you are and understand the tug-of-war between experiencing the joy of the season and living with grief. Today, I want to share a few lessons I’ve learned to help me find joy while grieving during the holidays. 

Find Joy

  • Spend time in prayer, talking with your Heavenly Father. Prayer serves as the foundation for peace, hope, and strength as we invite the Lord into our pain and sorrow. (Philippians 4:7)  
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for grace and forgiveness as you process grief. (Hebrews 4:16) It’s easy to respond more harshly than usual in certain situations when we’re hurting.  
  • The expectation during the holidays is that everyone will be happy and excited. But for those of us experiencing loss during this time, we often don’t feel the freedom to grieve. Friend, it’s okay to grieve, and it’s okay to ask for space to breathe. 
  • It’s okay to set aside traditions that feel too painful right now. Find new ways to celebrate the season and, when you’re ready, revisit old traditions. 
  • Don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend or loved one who will offer unconditional love and a listening ear. 
  • At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. No greater joy exists than knowing the hope found in Christ because God loved us so much that He sent His Son to earth to redeem us so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Cherish the moments of joy and laughter with family and friends. (1 Peter 1:6-7) 

Yes, we may mourn the loss of our loved ones, but we also find joy in knowing we will see them again in Heaven. Until that day, we can rest in God’s peace and comfort, experiencing His true joy with our family during this Christmas season. (Philippians 3:20-21) 

A Prayer for You

Dear Lord, You know the grief in my heart, but You also see my desire to celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth. Help me remember my loved ones and special memories while also living in the moment of this season. Give me the joy that only comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Connect with Mary here!

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