Christmas is next week—how did we get here so fast? It suddenly dawned on me today that the holiday is just days away, and I still have quite a few things left to do. Toys and holiday decorations have been on display since before Halloween and stores are buzzing with shoppers searching for their perfect gifts, while others are fine-tuning their Christmas lists and planning menus for their traditional—or not-so-traditional—holiday meals.

Christmas has changed for me over the years. I still find great joy in watching my sons and grandchildren unwrap gifts, but I especially cherish movie nights, game nights, and spending unhurried time with them throughout the Christmas holiday. I’ve also found deep fulfillment packing blessing bags with my Women’s Ministry team to distribute to those who are unhoused. These days, I focus less on gift-giving and more on how I can be a blessing to someone who may not be able to give anything in return.

For many, this season also carries deep sorrow—both from personal loss and from what we’ve experienced collectively as a country. The holidays can be an especially difficult and painful time for those grieving the loss of a loved one. What feels festive and joyful for some can be overwhelming and debilitating for others.

If you are grieving a loss, Judy Tatelbaum of the Cornerstone of Hope Bereavement Center offers these gentle survival strategies for the holidays:

• Be kind to yourself. This is a time when self-care is especially important.
• Express your feelings. The surest path through grief is to feel it, not deny it. If sharing with family or friends feels difficult, journaling can be deeply helpful and healing.
• Ask for what you need. Others cannot know how you are feeling unless you tell them.
• Create support for yourself. Sharing your pain helps to ease it.
• Help someone in need. Serving others can gently shift your focus and bring meaning during a difficult time. Consider serving a holiday meal at a shelter, visiting a nursing home or hospital, baking and delivering treats to those who are sick, or making encouraging phone calls.
• Practice gratitude. Ask yourself: What am I grateful for this holiday season? Let’s choose gratitude in all circumstances.

During this holiday season, I challenge you to serve someone, uplift someone, or celebrate someone—simply take the time to make another person’s day a little brighter. You may be surprised by how much it blesses your own heart in return.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and finding this season especially difficult, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Your words may bring healing to your own heart and offer comfort and inspiration to others.

Thank you all for your continued support this year. I wish you a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace and blessings.