This is not so much a care question. Looking for help from those who may have navigated a similar time in life. I'm an only child. My parents and I were always really close and in my adult years we became best friends. My dad recently passed and now mom, 91, is living alone at home....her choice...and my husband and who have no kids are her sole caregivers. My question is about navigating the holidays for the first time without someone when family is already tiny. I was tempted to just skip it all this year, but I know dad would not want me to do that and my husband has an elderly aunt that always comes. Looking for ideas that might make it easier, like changing something. I so dread sitting down to a dinner at the dining room table and dad not being there. Not sure I could get through without losing it. I know this may sound trivial. Just looking for other experience. Thanks.
Holiday BRUNCH for the big meal of the day.
Jig saw puzzle teams, then soup and sandwiches and dessert.
Morning Cookie Bake for the ladies, prepared casserole, cookies, fruit and beverages for dessert at mid afternoon.
Invite a pleasant single person or couple to share the day with you all. It won’t feel as diminished if someone new and fun is there.
The dining room was the happiest place in my house and I my heart, until Aunt Kay died. Put your Christmas Tree there, and eat in some other part of the house.
Break the mold! Some time in the future, your loss won’t seem quite as fresh, and you can reintroduce some of the special old traditions.
I recommend doing something that is fun for everyone and honors your dads memory. Funny stories that involve him, extreme stunts you pulled as a child and how he dealt with it and such things.
The 1st everything is so very hard. Accept that and you will be better prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions.
I am sorry for your loss and I pray that you find a way to celebrate that helps everyone heal a little bit.
celebrate safely in this pandemic. Don't forget your husbands elderly Aunt even if all you can do is leave a package at her door.
Through the years my sisters and I have continued to make changes as we have grown older and our families have grown larger. When my Mom, now 96 passes we will undoubtedly make more changes.
You many not be able to make the number of changes we did, but you can at least switch-up the menu in some important way (roast beef instead of turkey or a new first course), and maybe change the decor a bit so that more focus will go toward the new star on the tree or the new centerpiece. You can also play a cheery playlist on the stereo so the inevitable silences are not silent.
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