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As a new widow, I've found that God is a true Father, a faithful Friend, and a deep Comforter. As I've learned to navigate this journey with grace, I've found things that are helpful, practical, and inspiring. That's what I want to pass along to you!

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When It’s Time to Let Go of What They Left Behind

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When the Holidays Hurt:

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If the Holidays Feel Heavy, Read This

The holidays have a way of magnifying what’s missing.

What once brought joy may now bring tears. What used to feel familiar may feel painfully foreign. And for those grieving the loss of a loved one, this season can feel isolating—even in a crowded room.

If that’s where you are, you’re not alone. And you’re not weak.

FREE GUIDE: What to Do After Your Spouse Dies

How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays

Let’s be honest—grief requires energy, and the holidays demand a lot of it. That tension is real.

Here are a few grounding truths to carry with you:

You don’t have to do everything.
Attendance is not a measure of love or healing.

You don’t have to do things the same way.
Traditions can be paused, reshaped, or released.

You don’t have to pretend you’re okay.
God welcomes honesty far more than performance.

Scripture reminds us that God is “near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Near—not distant, not rushed, not disappointed.

Recognizing God’s Grace in Grief

Grace doesn’t always look like relief. Sometimes it looks like endurance.

Grace may be:

• Getting through a gathering without falling apart

• Letting tears come without shame

• Feeling God’s quiet presence in moments no one else sees

God’s grace meets us not after grief—but inside it.

Free Resource: Letting Go Doesn’t Mean Forgetting

This gentle guided journal offers scripture, reflection prompts, and encouragement to help you release what you cannot hold while treasuring the love that endures forever. A safe space to process grief, remember with hope, and take small steps toward healing.

Grace for Grieving Hearts

Called Higher

Surrender in Grief: Giving God What You Don't Understand

God's Mercies are New Every Morning

Reimagining Holiday Traditions After Loss

One of the hardest truths to accept after loss is this: the holidays will never be exactly the same.

And that’s okay.

Some meaningful ways to approach the season differently:

• Honor your loved one with a candle, prayer, or shared memory

• Create a new tradition that fits your current capacity

• Simplify—fewer expectations often bring more peace

Traditions exist to serve people. You are allowed to let them evolve.

A Gentle Word of Hope

Whether this is your first holiday season without your loved one—or one of many—you may be surprised by how grief resurfaces.

That doesn’t mean you’re moving backward.
It means love is still present.

God walks with you through every season, including this one. And His grace will meet you—again and again.

A Prayer for the Holidays

God of all comfort,
You see every empty space this season has uncovered.
You know the weight of memories, the ache of absence,
and the quiet moments when grief feels overwhelming.

Draw near to every brokenhearted reader today.
Give strength where energy is low,
peace where emotions feel tangled,
and rest where sorrow has lingered too long.

Help us release the expectations we can no longer carry.
Give us permission to grieve honestly
and the courage to receive Your grace fully.

Meet us in the stillness.
Walk with us through each gathering, each memory, each day.
And remind us—again and again—that we are not alone.

Amen.

The Question That Matters Most

📖 Scriptures for Reflection

• Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

• Luke 2:10–11 – “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’"

• John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

• Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

• 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…”

Letting Go Doesn't Mean Forgetting

Looking for More Encouragement?

Everything I write comes from walking this road myself. If you’d like continued encouragement beyond this post, my devotionals are available as companions for the journey.

Share Your Story

Have you found comfort in any daily routines? What’s helping you heal? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear what habits are helping you in this season, and your experience might give hope to someone else.