2022 Resolutions in a Continuing Pandemic It is January of a new year, 2022. In most years it is traditional to define a few resolutions we wish to accomplish, which are usually abandoned by Valentine Day! But what about this year? 2021 continued to be another unusual year as the world struggled with the pandemic…
Simplified Holidays During a Pandemic
Simplified Holidays During a Pandemic We will all experience many types of loss during the holiday season because of the pandemic; loss of holiday activities, loss of family gatherings, loss of financial resources, loss of a sense of security in our lives. With these losses comes all the grieving components; denial, anger, bargaining sadness and hopefully acceptance.…
Being Thankful during a Pandemic
Being Thankful during a Pandemic The pandemic is and has taken its toll on everyone from those who have become ill, even dying, to school at home, unemployment, financial challenges, lockdown and missing family. The holiday season is now in full swing and everyone is determining what that means for traditional holiday celebrations. Lockdowns and…
Dealing with Grief During the Holidays
Dealing with Grief During the Holidays By Paulina Rael Jaramillo Grief and the emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one is an agonizing experience and during the holidays it can seem like an overwhelming ordeal. Reassessing our attitude toward the holidays, deciding how involved we want to be as well as modifying old…
Preserving Family Traditions during the Holidays
Preserving Family Traditions during the Holidays There are several holidays which occur during the winter months. The most advertised is Christmas. But there is also Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan and Diwali. Most winter holidays are based on a religious belief or doctrine. All winter holidays regardless of the origin or culture have some common elements including…
Finding Enjoyment in the Holidays
Finding Enjoyment in the Holidays Between October31st and January 6th there are several holidays that are celebrated around the world and in the USA. The most well recognized is Christmas but also includes Halloween/All Souls Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, New Year’s and Epiphany. Whatever holiday is important to you/your family and for whatever reason,…
Balancing the Past and the Present during the Holidays
Balancing the Past and the Present during the Holidays For those who have experienced great losses, whether loss of loved ones, separation from family, or other tragedies our emotions during the holidays are always a balancing act. The awareness of missing those who are not with us is offset by the festive surroundings as others…
Joy to the World
Joy to the World During the Christmas season we talk about and sing about Joy. The season of Advent talks about the Joy of celebrating the birth of Christ. People talk about feeling joy in buying gifts for loved ones. We teach children about the “Joy of Giving” through helping others, donating and volunteering. The…
Handling Grief and Loss during the Holidays
Handling Grief and Loss during the Holidays Holiday festivities, especially at Christmas, present challenges as we grieve the passing of a loved one. Music, decorations and seasonal activities remind us of past celebrations, bringing back memories that can create strong feelings of sadness. Knowing that these feelings are normal and planning the activities in which…
Thankfulness and Healing
Thankfulness and Healing When we have experienced a loss we are in pain for a long time. Like any injury, physical or emotional, it takes time for us to heal. And like any injury a scar is left.The length of time it takes for us to heal is determined by many factors; the depth of…