For the Moms Who Are Grieving This Holiday Season
For the Moms Who Are Grieving This Holiday Season
The holidays can be the most beautiful time of year—filled with lights, laughter, and the magic of connection. But for those of us who are grieving, it can feel like a season of sharp contrasts.
You put on smile for your family and loved ones. You try your best to go through the motions, like decorating the tree, and making your favorite holiday dishes... But underneath it all, there’s a heaviness—a quiet ache for someone who should be here…but isn’t.
If you’re carrying grief this holiday season, mama, I want you to know you’re not alone.
The Weight of an Empty Chair
For mothers who’ve lost a loved one, the holidays can feel particularly heavy.
The sight of your kids opening gifts can bring joy and heartbreak in equal measure. A family tradition may suddenly feel incomplete. You might find yourself smiling through the pain, feeling like you need to “hold it together” for everyone else..
I understand that heaviness.
I know how it feels to look around the room and feel the absence of someone you love—a child, a partner, a parent, or a friend. Their seat at the table is empty. Their laugh is missing from the room.
It’s okay to feel this way, mama. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, and there’s no “right” way to navigate grief this holiday season.
You Are Allowed to Feel
If you’re carrying the weight of loss right now, I want to tell you something important: It’s okay to feel it all.
It’s okay to laugh with your kids and still feel sadness. It’s okay to enjoy moments of joy and still miss someone with all your heart. It’s okay to cry while decorating the tree or feel a pang of longing during a holiday tradition.
All of your emotions—grief, sadness, anger, and even joy—are valid. You don’t need to push them away or try to "get over it."
Grief is a part of love, and it’s a testament to the deep connection you had with the person you’re missing.
Small Ways to Care for Yourself
During a season that can feel overwhelming, it’s important to find small ways to care for yourself.
Here are a few gentle practices to help navigate the heaviness:
Honor your feelings. When sadness, anger, or even unexpected moments of happiness arise, allow yourself to feel them. Give yourself permission to process your emotions without judgment.
Create rituals of remembrance. Light a candle, hang an ornament in their memory, or write a letter to your loved one. These small acts of connection can bring comfort and keep their presence alive in your heart.
Lean on your support system. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or a supportive community, let others hold space for you. Sometimes, simply sharing what you’re feeling can bring a sense of relief.
Be kind to yourself. Let go of the pressure to “do it all” or make everything perfect. Prioritize rest, give yourself grace, and take things one moment at a time.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Mama, grief is heavy, but you don’t have to carry it by yourself. Working with someone who understands how overwhelming motherhood and loss can feel might be the next step in finding peace.
As a licensed mental health counselor and mom life coach, I specialize in helping mothers like you navigate grief, stress, and the challenges of daily life. Together, we can create personalized strategies to help you process your emotions, reclaim your calm, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Click here to book your free consultation. Let’s talk about how I can support you on this journey.
You are seen, you are loved, and you are never truly alone.
Warmly,
Ashley
