I was beginning to spend time with fiends. My eating and sleeping patterns were back to normal. Then I had to face my first Thanksgiving without him. I felt the familiar effects of grief wash over me and it was just like the healing process had never even begun. They can be the most joyous or the most painful days of the year.
Holidays are especially difficult if a loved one has died.
By planning ahead and dealing realistically with holiday expectations, you can circumvent some of the holiday sadness and fill those days with peaceful satisfaction. Accepting and admitting that your loss is going to require adjustment in your life is especially true around the holidays. Participating in current holiday activities instead of thinking about what used to be, is a good way to begin holiday healing. If you're not ready to celebrate this year, don't. However, if you have small children, you'll need to discuss any holiday changes with them so that they don't feel punished or confused.