What Do the “Missing You” Do for Christmas?
It is the time of season where there are an influx of feelings for many. Decorations and planning are in full force. Stores are packed with people looking for the perfect Christmas gifts, as well as fulfilling the long wish list from the little Gifts from God aka Our Children- the Little Withdrawal Makers. In all seriousness, a day that is supposed to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ can be met with heart-wrenching sorrow.
A time of togetherness can be eclipsed by loved ones no longer being present to share the laughs and family time. It seems like everything reminds you of them. Things that were a tradition quickly become a painful reminder of their absence.
It is interesting because one of the first celebrations for me after my grandmother transitioned was my birthday. Honestly, I did not know how the first “Without her” moment would be. I chose to get away and spent it in New York. A friend who lives there did an exceptional job in making sure I took the time to celebrate life!
That trip was such a great lesson for me. It drove away the guilt of smiling again; of being able to celebrate without her. My grandmother was such a vibrant Spirit. There are so many memories that I hold dear. Her life left me with far greater than her death took from me!
Friend, you can enjoy the holiday season, and honor your loved ones in how you navigate through life. Everyday is a precious gift from God. Take a moment (Activity Insert), inhale and then exhale. Those were literally two gifts from God. We should not have to have a ventilator experience to recognize all of our many blessings connected to just breathing.
Remember the “Why” for Christmas. Jesus is and should be the Reason for the Season. After all, His Name begins the holiday- CHRISTmas. There are so many Special Ways to incorporate past traditions and create new ones. Allow your memories of loved ones to bring smiles as you make a conscious effort in having their fingerprint throughout your festivities.
Here’s some ideas to have a Merry & Christ-centered holiday that will be enriching to family and friends:
🎁 Share the Story of Christ’s Birth
🎁 Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus
🎁 Adopt a Family and provide a meal
🎁 Adopt a Child and provide a gift
🎁 Visit a Senior Center or Nursing Home
🎁 Have everyone pitch in for the dinner planning
🎁 Mix it up, who says it has to be a dinner, and who says the menu has to be traditional?
🎁 Play Family Games
🎁 Create a Gathering Theme
🎁 Take lots of pictures and videos
❤️ Make sure the entire family eats together and create a Family Tradition that allows the Adults and Children to interact
Friend, you will always have moments of missing them, but it does not mean new moments cannot be created to honor them. We can actually choose to laugh, again as we reflect on them and what they would be doing &/or saying during this holiday season. Remember, Jesus Christ’s birthday should be a time of rejoicing. He is the Greatest Gift, and we have been given the Gift of Life!
What do the “Missing You” do for Christmas? They remember who deserves to be celebrated in all Seasons of their lives! They choose the Joy of the Lord over sorrow. They function from a grateful place and make the effort to move beyond their varying emotions. They realize how they honor their loved ones by living a life poured out and remaining thankful!
Divine Work & Pray:
Work:
Jot down in your journal what you are grateful for and include things taught to you by your loved ones who have transitioned.
Pray:
Oh Lord, our Lord, how excellent is your Name in all the earth. You are worthy to be celebrated daily. During this Christmas season, help us to be mindful of our honor towards You. There will never be another gift greater than You. In a season, where the pain of loss grips some, use us as vessels to reach out and spread cheer. Thank you for being so present and continuing to show that we are never alone. Thank You for the time that you have given to us with our loved ones, may their lives be honored by how we live our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen.
