Christmas

‘Tis the Season for Hot Widower Movie Dads

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Apparently, sad dads are sexy and sad moms are a burden. But who am I to complain? Here are my top four.

My Bizarre Childhood Wish Showed Up in My Mom’s Cremains

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I found the one piece of her that didn't get scattered.

It’s The Worst Wonderful Time of The Year

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I'm heading into my first 'festive' seasonal stretch after my husband's death and have no clue what I'll do. Weirdly, that's ok.

My Brother’s Christmas-Themed Funeral

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Alan lived with a rare genetic disorder that made him unpredictable, child-like and full of wonder. When he died at age 43, his memorial service was unique as he was.

The Christmas Anthem I Needed To Hear

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I spent years avoiding the favorite song a friend lost to suicide. But last December, I listened anew.

The Modern Loss Holiday Gift Guide — 2018

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From scalp whisks to s’mores to soups that arrive at your doorstep, these gifts for the grieving say ‘the holidays are rough, but I love you.’

Our Christmas Décor Became a Metaphor for My Grief

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What is the protocol for embroidering a Christmas story that stops abruptly in the second chapter?

A Very Brady Christmas (But Way More Complicated)

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A newly engaged widow wants to know how to manage her bereaved in-laws' expectations this season. Our advice columnist weighs in.

Tips For Getting Through the Holidays When You’re Totally Sad

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Maybe someday the season won’t feel like someone is taking a melon baller to my heart, but for now getting through it is about knowing what to avoid and what to embrace.

In Defense of Magic

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The winter holiday rituals have soothed our grieving souls. So has our son's belief in Santa.

The Stoic’s Guide to the Holidays

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An emotional clam wishes he could take his own advice for enduring the festivities with loss.

I’m Done Hanging Stockings for Dead People

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For the past 7 years, holiday decorations reminded me only of who was missing. This year, I said ‘enough.’

Take a Breather

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And 4 other grief therapist-approved tips for surviving Christmas after a loss.

The Grinch in Your Mailbox?

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Should a holiday letter say how much pain you're in? Our advice columnist weighs in.

The End of My Self-Pity Party

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Life with my partner felt like finally being invited to the ball. Since his death, I've spent too long insistent on feeling devalued.

Merry — Not So Much

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Our advice columnist weighs in on holiday shopping for the bereaved, what to do when Christmas parties are grief triggers and more.

’Twas the Fight Before Christmas

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When it came to decorating the tree, my late husband and I didn’t exactly see eye-to eye.

Putting the Satan Back in Christmas

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The holiday season may bring up all kinds of memories when you’re grieving. But what if your loved one was more Scrooge than Santa?