For me, Christmas has become a time of reflection and remembrance.
I am reminded of past celebrations, traditions and all those no longer here to share them with.
Some tears are shed.
Smiles also appear.
I take nothing for granted.
Each day is a blessing and to be grateful for.
Despite those feelings of melancholy, I continue to look forward to what lies ahead.
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36 comments
Heartfelt words that ring true... especially at this time of year.
May your Christmas bring you the peace and cherished memories you deserve. 💕
@Paulxx001 I am overwhelmed by the response to this post. Reflection and remembrance know no bounds.
Last few years I've grieved all anew as I realized my children don't remember some of what I felt were our traditions with my side of the family... but I did the math last year when it came up and my daughter was only 4 the last time we celebrated that way... made sense that she didn't really remember much about it. My son only had vague memories of being at my parents on Christmas eve. We've slowly replaced those traditions with new ones and then replaced again as more close to us passed. But it is sometimes hard knowing that those days are gone and really only live on in my heart. Sending you warm holiday greetings. May the love we had for them live on.
@CL_Love Thank you for sharing your feelings. Often it's difficult for us to let go of those fond memories and replace them with new traditions. May peace & love surround you now and always.
My husband has been gone for 20 years and yet he was with me (and his family) as we spent time together tonight.
Peace to you.
@superbjversion2 Our loved ones are ever-present and often stronger when surrounded by others. Peace to you now & always.
I can relate -- the past this season used to be filled with family and friends and so many of them are no longer here. To add insult to injury the only grandfather I ever knew died on Christmas Day and almost four years ago my father passed away the early morning hours of New Years Day. Has made this time of year a time of memories.
@pussylovergta16 Loss occurs not just through bereavement. It's always difficult losing someone when special occasions occur as it can taint those forever. We have to find ways to make new memories.
@sexyldy1000 of course you are correct. The next few years hope to make new memories for the season.
So very true for me as well seems most of my loved
ones passed away around the Holidays. But we always have
our most fondest memories of them to hold on too.
I hope you and yours enjoy a very Merry and Blessed
Christmas Eve and Day..
Seems the time of year to lose loved ones it is a sad time for me in many ways.
But have good memories of loved ones gone and young ones now growing up.
Have a Happy Christmas and celebrate the memories.
@Tmptrzz There was a time when it seemed like the loss of loved ones kept occurring during special occasions. Memories are etched in our minds and hearts forever. Best to you Tmptrzz, now and always.
@OlderPete58 Fond memories last forever.
Ohhhhh Ldy. This !! This sooooo resonates with me....and is why all the holidays n bdays are challenging. All those wonderful memories and no chance to make more as no close family is left. Noone even to say , " remember when " or " tell me that story again ". Its like i am the keeper of the memories now....and it saddens me immensely. ( sigh )
I try to look forward, ive only recently arrived at the point of smiling or laughing at a memory. I am a work in process ~
Thank you for this post....
@jajo696 I am overwhelmed by how this post has touched so many people and their willingness to share their experiences of the losses they have had and the ongoing challenges dealing with them. Thank you for stopping by and sharing you. Better times are ahead.
Not the easiest time of year for many of us. I think it belongs to the very young and perhaps, when they can take centre stage in family affairs, the magic of Christmas might be rekindled. For older ones amongst us, it can be a poignant time of missing those we loved irrespective of the season of their passing.
@RavenGB Those who have passed or who are unable to be with us are never erased from our memories. Missing them is magnified during all the special occasions. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Wow so sexy
It’s heart warming to see what you wrote on here. I share your perspective. Looking forward also.
@vegasontop2 Many seem to feel similarly. The challenge is finding the right balance of remembering the past and moving forward to create new memories.
I understand the mixed feelings the memories can bring. That you can look at them and take comfort in having had them shows you are one who has learned to see much good in life. Shows that you are a person well worth knowing.
Hugs
@justskin1 Thank you for your thoughtful response. Memories can evoke a range of emotions. We must keep them etched on our hearts.
@sexyldy1000 Memories can be powerful things and sometimes thinking on them can illuminate bits of how you came to be the person you are today. Had a couple of those happen sharing memories with friends.
Hugs
Discard the negative, hold on to the positive …. always look forward. Have a good one.
I feel your mood
@honestfriend4u2 It seems that many feel the same.
Yes, better to look ahead
Merry Christmas to all Lost parents a few years ago lost sister in Feb been crazy year lost X wife 12-15 of this year crazy times in this world be brave and safe to all
A middle-aged right now everybody's gone around me I remember my parents on Christmas Day all the gifts when I was growing up young I don't have anybody left I lost one of my best friends last year of cancer lung cancer I struggle everyday I just have remembrance of everybody around me and sometimes when the holidays comes it's sad I sit back today and I have remembrance and I cry there's nobody left I've tried relationships they have failed I struggle day by day trying to meet the bills trying to meet with food but the memories the memories will never go away they're always with us through all the days of our lives good and bad thank you Merry Christmas
@Island69boy2 My heart breaks for those who have suffered losses such as yours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and support to those who find this time of year touched with sadness.
@Bdfounder64 I hope you can find the help and support you need.
I totally understand how you feel. Holidays are very hard for me. Parents have passed, kids grown. I remember the holidays with my family. Wonderful times. Very bitter sweet. Have a lovely day. You are not alone❤️
@JulesICU812 The number of heartfelt responses proves just how difficult the holidays can be. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
So true. Merry Christmas
@1salesman3 Hope yours was a Merry one.
This is very much how I feel.
Remember loved ones nolonger here and celebrate their memory.
Happy Christmas remember the good times and celebrate the memories and make new ones.
@OlderPete58 Loss occurs in different ways, not just through bereavement. Memories sustain us.
Wonderful story i hope to meet like this in Christmas time
Next years i mean
True!!
Merry Christmas, and hugs from me.
@kzoopair Thank you. Hope you had a Merry one!
May you find peace in the memories of the missing and joy in the presence of the ones with you.
@crowdy123 Thank you for sharing your kind words.
I definitely understand that and I can totally relate. I am sorry for your loss. Remember the good memories!
I understand a family Christmas when someone is missing wife grand son mother in last 3 years please tex to chat
@hotandready40 You are correct. The good memories are what sustains us.
@smiling_dude66 That is a lot of loss to have to deal with. Hope you can focus on the good memories.