For Those Who Are Missing Loved Ones During the Holidays

If you've lost someone closest to you, you know how difficult the holidays can be. I know I personally feel the void of not having my mom here during the holidays. And even more so at Christmastime since, let me tell you, NOBODY Christmas-ed like my mom.

True story: I would dread helping my mom put up the Christmas decorations every year because she had bags and bags and bags of Christmas ornaments, gingerbread houses, Santa Clauses, elves, angels, lights and more to go around the house. Every centimeter of the tree was covered in ornaments including ones from when my brother and I were children. It was a several hour event and I would be exhausted afterward! But she would absolutely love it and got so much joy out of it. So needless to say, when I think about this time of year and the joy she would feel to see my daughter's first Christmas, I feel the loss.

So if you, or someone you know, have lost a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a child or any loved one, please check out or share these resources:

• What Grieving People Wish You Knew at Christmas: Even if you personally haven't lost anyone, this one is good if you want to know how to handle yourself around someone who has.
• Package Your Genius Podcast Episode 33: When the Holidays are Hard: My friend, Amanda Miller Littlejohn (you may remember her from episode 53 from Beyond the Business Suit), recently had therapist Dr. Reisha Moxley on her podcast to talk about grieving during the holidays. Amanda has also lost a parent and candidly spoke from the heart about her experience.
• Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died by Ty Alexander: This book by Ty Alexander a great one for those who have lost a loved one, and especially daughters who have lost mothers. You may remember when I interviewed Ty on Beyond the Business Suit earlier this year which was a great episode to share as well.

Wishing you and your family the best and the most comfort this holiday season.