Hi, remember me? - I’m Bailey; my Mom writes this newsletter. About a month ago, she published the article ‘Tis the Season. In it, she talked about her plan to enjoy the holidays this year. I thought you might like to know how she did.
Her plan included
decorating her apartment and baking cookies
participating in a holiday craft fair
watching holiday specials on television
buying a new computer - a Christmas present to herself
And she did. She also
attended a delightful family dinner on Christmas eve and played with her great-granddaughter
gave Christmas presents and sent Christmas cards
had a picnic lunch and walked along the Pacific Ocean on Christmas day with her daughter and son-in-law
She did things that made the holidays merry and bright. But she overlooked something, so the plan didn’t work as well as expected. Here’s why! She ignored the part of her that missed the old rituals and doing them with Dad. She cried because something - someone significant was missing.
My sister, Bella, and I tried to make her smile. I even let her hug me a few times - Urgh!! But that didn’t help much.
If I were a psychologist, I would remind her to honor the sadness and accept that the holidays can’t or won’t ever be the same - but they can be good.
Perhaps, she could do something to honor him next year like donating to the Alzheimers Association in his name, or uniquely celebrating his December 25th birthday.
Maybe she could acknowledge that the sadness isn’t going away - particularly during this time of year - and let it be rather than trying to get rid of it. She could be kinder to herself and find ways to accept that being sad and enjoying life can exist simultaneously.
I’m not sure what the answer is, but I promise you that Bella and I will look for new ways to help her.
Mom would share two articles with you if she were writing this article.
10 Ways to be Happier in 2023, According to Science in 2022. The first way makes the most sense, but the others can be beneficial.
Preparing for the New - This article provides helpful ideas for the new year.
Ciao.
I'm glad it was better for you. Rough one for me. Glad the whole thing is almost over.
Congratulation, Janice! You made it through Christmas. And you did it so well! I am proud of you. This learning to cope is never-ending. You are an inspiration to us all. You and your story-telling cat.