Welcome to our 4 Part Holiday Series – a discussion about finding hope when the holidays hurt and our first ever virtual book club. Kristin Hernandez, author of Hope When the Holidays Hurt, is joining me for this series and our book club discussions. Whether you ordered the Advent Journal (you can order here) and started this morning or you just ordered and it hasn’t arrived yet or you don’t plan to order one – I wanted to remind you that you are still more than welcome to follow along with us here on the podcast. The episodes will still be applicable and beneficial. 

In Part 1 Kristin shares why she wrote this journal, her hope for you as you follow along with us here and in your daily life at home this month. Kristin also explains what Advent is and why we celebrate it and of course, she shares hope for this first week of Advent. If you are following along in the book (the Advent Journal) we will be taking a deeper look at Days 5 & 6.) Kristin shares thoughts about the promises of the coming of Jesus in the Old Testament and what that means for us today, as women who are grieving and looking for hope. 

And we finish up our time together with Kristin sharing her tangible, very practical advice for a grieving mom who is navigating the holiday season by answering the question: “what do I wish I had known that first Christmas.” Her answer is so incredibly helpful and applicable to all grieving mothers, no matter if this is your first christmas without your child or your 14th like me. 

Throughout this series and season of Advent, Kristin and I will be discussing an entry from that week of journal entries here on the podcast as well as our free online community. If you haven’t already joined us in our free community, this is a great time to do so. Don’t navigate the holidays alone, come join us and find women who understand, women who get it and can offer a listening ear, understanding and wisdom. Our free online community is not on social media so as to provide a truly safe place for grieving moms. To join us click here. We will be sharing insights from our daily readings from the journal as well as honest thoughts and conversation about navigating the holidays as a grieving mom.

WE LOVE LAURELBOX: GIFTS FOR GRIEVING HEARTS

This episode is sponsored by Laurelbox. We love Laurelbox for the beautiful and tangible ways they help us as grieving moms to honor and celebrate our babies this holiday season. Laurelbox has the most beautiful personalized candles and ornaments– the perfect addition to your holiday season. It’s simple while being intentional, thoughtful and as I said, beautiful. Check out our favorites by heading to themorning.com/laurelbox. 

FREE HOLIDAY RESOURCES: www.themorning.com/holidays

1. Download the Free Navigating the Holidays Workbook & Resource Bundle 
2. Join us for a Christmas Devotional Book Club for December (Get the devotional here.)
3. Our Christmas Gift Guides for Grieving Moms
4. Keepsake DIY Ornaments (click here)
5. Get your Christmas Apparel (Back in the shop!)

> www.themorning.com/holidays

FREE ONLINE SUPPORT COMMUNITYA place away from social media where you can find support and care from women who are just like you. Women navigating the day to day ups and downs of grief. A place where you can feel not alone in this. Come join us: themorning.com/community

 

FREE GRIEF GUIDE

Our best and most helpful resources for navigating grief and life after loss all in one place. Plus a list of our favorite books for children about grief and loss. Download Here.

 

FREE GUIDE: IF YOU LOVE A GRIEVING MOMAnd if you love a grieving mom, we have something for you too, a free guide with simple tips for how to love a grieving friend: themorning.com/friendsandfamily.

 

RATE, REVIEW &  FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTSIf you love The Joyful Mourning Podcast, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps moms who are grieving to find us a little easier and get that support they need. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know how this episode helped you.

SHOW NOTESwww.themorning.com/blog/episode185