This will be the fourth Christmas without Dominic.
I’m certain that for some of my family and many of my friends, they are less and less aware of his absence. That’s completely natural and understandable.
But for me, his absence looms just as large THIS Christmas as it did that FIRST Christmas.
Even if you do realize how hard it is for grievers during the holidays, you might not have any idea how to show you care.
I came across this list originally published Family Life Today that gives 25 ideas to give holiday hope to the grieving and wanted to share it because I think it is wonderful.
I can promise you that any hurting heart would be delighted to have a friend or family member reach out in one or more of these ways.
25 Christmas Gifts or Remembrances for the Brokenhearted
1. A tree that can be planted in the family’s yard in memory of the loved one (or a gift certificate to a nursery that can be used to purchase a tree in the spring)
2. Bibles, Christmas Poinsettias, or library books given as memorials
3. Memorials to the local church or charities
4. Home videos of the loved one (especially ones of activities that the family may not have)
5. A scrapbook filled with pictures of the loved one
6. Special Christmas ornaments (for example, if the child played the piano, see if you can find an ornament in the shape of a piano)
7. Books such as Streams in the Dessert and When Life is Changed Forever
8. A personal item that would become a memento about the loved one’s personality or gifting
9. Gift certificates to a cabin or lodge, or to a place that the loved one once enjoyed
10. An original poem about the deceased
11. A journal from friends and family with written memories about the deceased
12. A written tribute to the deceased (The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents by Dennis Rainey and David Boehi, explains how you can do this.)
13. Addressing their Christmas cards or notes
14. Joining them in holiday shopping or doing the shopping for them
15. Asking if you can help decorate their home for Christmas
16. Sharing homemade Christmas cookies
17. Arranging family photographs in albums
18. Inviting them to decorate a gingerbread house
19. Picking them up for Christmas services at church and holiday get-togethers
20. Helping them shop for that “perfect gift” that they can give to others in memory of their loved one
21. Decorating a small tree with ornaments that have special memories of the loved one
22. Helping them write holiday memories
23. Organizing a candle-light memorial for close friends and family
24. Having a family-time of singing some of the deceased’s favorite Christmas carols and hymns
25. Giving the brokenhearted blank journals to write Bible verses that remind them of God’s presence, such as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4a and Jeremiah 29:11
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thelifeididntchoose 
Thank you for blessing us again with help and wisdom. This is our first Christmas with out Logan and I am struggling. I miss him so much. My husband and I have five daughters and have discussed with them about expectations. They want the original traditions which is a great comfort but hard to work up the motivation. They even wanted his stocking is hung up. Some of the things they need are painful for me, but if it helps them I will sacrifice some more tears. More than my share have been poured out, but God has a jar for those. Nothing I am going through is a surprise to Him.
Do you have any advice on books for grieving siblings that are Christ based? Much love sent to you and praying for comfort, extra hugs, and compassion from those close to you. Ann
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Ann, I haven’t found any books geared specifically toward siblings. What seems to help my kids at least is open communication and shared grieving. We make room for the different ways each person has been impacted by Dom’s leaving and talk about it. I know my kids talk to one another too.
It seems from your comment that you are on the right track-as much as anyone can be in this Valley. You are willing to make sacrifices and choices to help your kids even though they are painful to you.
I pray that the Lord strengthens each one of you and that He overwhelms each heart with His grace, mercy and love. ❤
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This is a great, well thought out list.
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I can’t take credit for it. I was thrilled to find it though! ❤
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May God comfort and bless you aboundantly! Peace and peaceful joy to your heart.
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May the Lord overwhelm your heart with His love, grace and mercy. ❤
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