Remembering Christmas traditions, passed down through generations, brings a smile to my face. I fondly remember family dinners with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. However, those memories are now mixed with sorrow. Time has a way of changing things, as does death. With death comes grief; and grief invites itself to Christmas
When grief comes to Christmas, it begs us to remember. Remember past Christmases when our loved ones shared the season. Grief wants us to remember the joy with fondness but at the same time grief asks us to shed tears of sorrow. When grief comes to Christmas, it wants us to hear the music but with a longing in the notes. When grief comes to Christmas it wants us to fix the special treats, not because it is hungry, but because they were the favorites.
When grief is in the Christmas, it invites us to trim the tree. Grief knows that the twinkly lights will comfort our tired souls, as we sit in darkness and remember. Grief invites us to surrender and rest this Christmas. Grief knows we are weary and worn. Grief feels our heaviness from heartache. Grief understands our mood. When grief comes to Christmas it doesn’t ask us to pretend it doesn’t exist.
Grief invites us to surrender and rest.
It knows that for us, the gift of Christmas is in the surrender. Surrendering is gently acknowledging grief is present. When grief comes to Christmas, it teaches us that we can wrap ourselves in the awe of the season, while we place our hands over our hearts in sorrow.
We remember.
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