Grieving Through the Holidays
It is widely recognized that for a person mourning the death of a dear one, special dates and major holidays often represent special challenges. It is pointless to attempt to avoid the fact that someone who “should” be present with you is not, but there may be ways soften the impact this has on the occasion. Every grieving experience is unique, so the ideas which follow are not guaranteed to be a fit for you, but have been useful for some.
This is a time to be very kind and considerate of yourself.
- Give yourself permission to feel how you feel, and allow “what do I need?” to guide your holiday planning
- Declare your limits for this holiday season—the fact that you always have done it does not constitute a contract that you must do it again this year, and expressing regrets” in view of your recent bereavement should not offend anyone.
- Do what feels comfortable for you and grant yourself the freedom to grieve honestly even during this festive season.
- Give yourself the gift of taking good care of yourself, physically / emotionally / spiritually, and accept the person you are today.
Include the one who you miss and mourn in your holiday celebration.
- Engage your creativity to discover ways to honour your loved one’s memory and legacy with those who gather with you to celebrate the holidays.
- If you always prided yourself for finding the perfect gift for the person you mourn, perhaps it would be meaningful to give a gift to someone in need in her/his memory.
- Traditions are important bridges to the past, but circumstances may suggest it is time to revise or replace some traditions, to create new traditions, or to suspend some this year.
- Do not fear to name the person you miss and share memories and stories about this dear one (yes, tears may come); this is the essence of allowing her/his specialness to continue to enrich the holiday or special occasion.
Dates Announced for Coming Events
Partnership with Ten Thousand Villages - December 10, 2011 - 15% of your purchase goes to COHA's Palliative Program on items bought this day.
Swinging with the Stars - March 30, 2012 - pledging opens January 1st, 2012 and tickets go on sale on January 20, 2012.
Hike for Hospice - May 6, 2012 - Stay tuned for more information.
Swinger's Open Golf Tournament - July 7, 2012 - Stay tuned for more information.
Linen and China Sale - Fall 2012 - Date to be announced.
Loving Beyond Goodbye CD Available for Sale!!
The much anticipated Loving Beyond Goodbye CD is now available for sale at the COHA offices, Hospice House and Capri Hair. CDs are $10.00 each with all proceeds going to COHA. These would make wonderful Christmas gifts! Contact the St. Paul office at (250) 763-5511 if you would like to order and have copies shipped to you.
EXTRA! EXTRA! September Newsletter
Click here to get the new edition of the COHA newsletter. Thank you to the fantastic committee for all their hard work in getting this together!
WE HAVE MOVED!!
The COHA offices have moved to 104-1456 St. Paul Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2E6. We are located in the same building but on the first floor.
We are very excited about our new home. Everyone is welcome to stop in and take a look around.