The holidays arrive with lights in windows, familiar songs, and gatherings meant to signal joy. For many parents grieving a child, however, this season carries a very different rhythm—one shaped by absence, ache, and quiet remembering.

If you're heading into the holidays after a recent loss, you're not alone—and you're not doing it wrong if you have days where it feels impossible. This post offers gentle suggestions to help you navigate the next few weeks with a little more space and self-compassion.

The holidays carry a promise — lights, laughter, and the hope of connection. But for many, they also stir up sorrow and a deep ache. If you’re missing someone — or something — that once brought you belonging, know this: your grief is real. And it matters.

Grief is a universal experience—but it can feel profoundly isolating. Whether you're mourning a loved one, a relationship, or a major life shift, grief often feels like a solitary journey few around you truly understand.