Although the holiday season can be a time of great joy for many, the opposite may be true for those of us who have lost a loved one. This year may be even more challenging because we can't gather with others as we’d like.

But there is something that we can do: We can come up with a Living with Grief at the Holidays (LWGH) Plan. Having a plan will allow us to feel more prepared and choose how it is we want to observe (or not observe) the holidays this year. For some people, it might mean changing a family tradition; for others, it might mean keeping things the same. And for others, it might mean skipping the holidays altogether. The important thing is: We can give ourselves permission to feel what we're actually feeling—whether that is a moment of joy or a moment of sadness.

It's likely that some of us may need some support right now. That’s understandable. Our St. Monica Bereavement Ministry is here to listen and help you prepare your LWGH Plan. Please feel to reach out to learn about the alternatives we can offer you. For any questions, please contact Christine at or 310-566-1531.

After the holidays, beginning on January 7, we’ll launch a 10-week online Bereavement Group. It's a support group facilitated by trained Bereavement Ministers who know what it’s like to lose a loved one. Many people have found the group to be a positive support for them during their grief. You can join by registering at stmonica.net/bereavement.