Next weekend, we will celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada. It is a time of harvest, gratitude, and a time of family gatherings.
Stepping into the upcoming Holidays is not easy when you have lost a loved one. A place at the table will be empty. It will be difficult at moments. Fill this seat with memories, stories of their life, or a gentle minute of reflection. Laughing and crying with others will help your broken heart.
I have talked many times about rituals. The coming Holidays might be easier on you, your family, and friends if you plan something special for these days.
Rituals help to connect and heal.
The following I suggested last year here it is once more:
Go for a walk together and take some colourful ribbons with you. Chose a tree and hang the ribbons on it.
- One ribbon for your love to the person that died.
- One ribbon including a wish for yourself or your family/friends.
- A third one filled with gratitude for this day together or...
Hang as many ribbons as you wish. Share your thoughts out loud or just hang your ribbons in silence on the tree.
This is also a ritual that you can do by yourself if you feel more comfortable this way.
Another ritual is to ask everyone to bring some candles to the festive table.
Have a big bowl filled with sand in the middle of the table.
Each guest lights a candle and shares a short memory or story of your loved one while adding the candle to the bowl. Don’t force anyone. Some might just want to light the candle in silence.
Tell your friends and family how you want to spend the Holidays. Be open to change your mind at the last minute.
I am wishing you a gentle step into this new season.
Take good care,
Jacqueline
PS: Ribbon ritual: If you don’t have any ribbons at home you might be able to find some at a local thrift store. Make sure you use fabric ribbons and not plastic ones. Nature will thank you. (smile)
PSS: Give me a call. I am here for you. ☎️
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