Welcome to part 4 of our 4 part Holiday series – a discussion about finding hope when the holidays hurt. Kristin Hernandez, author of the Advent Journal, Hope When the Holidays Hurt, is joining me for this series. 

In the first part of this episode Kristin talks about God’s love for you and knowing that grasping that love can feel very, very difficult for a grieving mom Kristin shares what helped her to see that God had not forgotten her and how He did love her even amidst devastating loss and deep grief.

In the second part of this episode Kristin gives her best advice for navigating Christmas morning and moving into a New Year. The wisdom Kristin shares is practically helpful – giving you freedom to grieve this holiday season, freedom to be sad, to say no, to make space to rest. About the New Year she said this: This was the hardest holiday for me the first year. It caught me by surprise. Everybody is celebrating that we're leaving the year and they're looking forward to the next year. And  I felt so sad that everyone is moving forward and moving forward with excitement and I didn’t want to move forward. And moving forward scared me.

Listen in to hear the hope and wisdom that Kristin shares about both Christmas morning and the New Year but mostly I hope you hear us both say, you are not alone friend. If the next week or so are especially difficult for you, remember, it’s ok to be sad, it’s ok to not feel merry or excited for a new year… you aren’t alone in that and also it won’t always feel this way. 

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/episode188