Losing a mother may be one of the worst losses there is. You have this person who is your biggest fan, your cheerleader, your best friend and your parent all in one. You feel safe and protected and couldn’t imagine living without them…. until you have to.
The holidays can be one of the hardest times for those of us who have lost a parent. The things we once looked forward to and the traditions we once shared don’t exist anymore. It’s really hard.
200 motherless sons and daughters helped me to put together a list of how they cope during the holidays. I hope it can help.
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Spend time with family members
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Focus on the people around me
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Keeping up with mom’s traditions
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Create new traditions
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Talk about her
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Remember the times shared together
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Keep a positive outlook
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Help those in need/volunteer
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Be with friends
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Feel everything that comes
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Dance
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Decorate
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Have as much fun as possible
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Cry it out
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Making sure to not be alone
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Bake mom’s recipes
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Keep things around the house to remind me of mom
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Meditate
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Pray
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Surround yourself with positive people
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Including mom in new traditions
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Stay busy
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Enjoy the present with loved ones
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Cherish memories
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Shop
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Look at pictures
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Watch Christmas movies
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Keep her spirit alive
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Reflect
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Distract yourself
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Concentrate on people who are here
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Keep on a schedule
Remember, you are stronger than you feel right now. You will be even stronger tomorrow. This loss does not define you. You will survive. One day at a time.
For more of Christie’s writing follow her on Facebook
Instagram: healing_throughgrief
Also, here are some great resources for anyone who has lost a mother
https://www.facebook.com/iamamotherlessdaughter/
https://www.facebook.com/Motherless-Daughters-153858391294874/?fref=ts