Finding Light in a Sad Season
The holiday season is seen as a time of joy, but for the ones who carry grief, it can be bittersweet. Whether the loss is recent or from years ago, the ache of missing a loved one doesn’t fade with the lights and decorations. Instead it’s a reminder that the holidays aren’t just about celebration- they are also about remembering those who we’ve lost here on earth and finding comfort in the love that remains in our heart.
Yesterday was just a sad day for me for some reason. I don’t know what set it off—maybe it was a song, a memory, or the way the light hit the Christmas tree, or all of it. Grief is funny like that. It doesn’t disappear, no matter how much time has passed. It’s always there, sometimes quiet in the background and other times loud, taking over everything.
This time of year has a way of bringing those feelings to the surface. Holidays are full of joy, traditions, and family, but they can also shine a spotlight on the empty chairs at the table. There are people I miss so deeply, especially during this season. Their laugh, their presence—if only I could have one more holiday.
And then, there’s the world around us—buzzing with joy, with people shopping, celebrating, laughing, and checking off their holiday to-do lists. But when you’re missing someone special, all of that can feel so different. It’s like standing still in the middle of a busy crowd, watching life move on while your heart aches. It’s a quiet, lonely kind of pain, even when you’re surrounded by people. I’ve felt it, and I know how heavy it can be. That’s why I want to remind you—and myself—that it’s okay to feel out of sync with the season. Grief doesn’t follow the calendar, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate this time of year.
If you’re having a sad season too, my heart is with you. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and one small moment can turn your whole day upside down. It’s okay to feel that. It’s okay to be sad.
Here’s what I’m learning about getting through these days:
1.Feel Your Feelings
It’s tempting to push the sadness away or try to distract yourself, but ignoring grief only makes it grow. Instead, give yourself permission to feel everything. Cry if you need to. Write about it. Talk to someone who understands. Your emotions are valid, and feeling them is part of healing.
2.Lean on Your People
When the sadness feels heavy, let your loved ones help carry it. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. That might mean spending time with family, calling a good friend, or even sitting quietly with someone who gets it. We’re not meant to carry grief alone.
This season can be hard, but it’s also a time for connection and love. When I’m missing someone, I try to remember the ways they made life beautiful and how they would want me to keep going. They’re still with me, in the memories, in the love that doesn’t fade.
To anyone who is grieving this holiday season, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to be sad. It’s okay to laugh, too. Take it one moment at a time, feel your feelings, and hold tight to the people who are here to love and support you.
Wishing you peace and light, even when sadness is felt.
From my heart to yours, Stacey @ The Collective Heart ♥️
