Holidays

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.’

Grief Is a Change Agent

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This Thanksgiving, don’t normalize your grief. Turn it into a catalyst.  

21 Things You Probably Don’t Know About My Dead Dad

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No. 9: If he loved you, he'd write you an insanely clever poem for every birthday, milestone or minor holiday.

20 Things You Probably Don’t Know About My Dead Dad

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He never met my children, but they will know him through the photos, scrapbooks and stories of those who knew and loved him best. Through me.

Modern Loss Fathers Day

A Father’s Day Sale for the Recently Deceased Dad

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I keep getting emails from Bed Bath & Beyond reminding me that “It’s Not Too Late To Find the Perfect Father’s Day Gift!” But in this case, it kind of is.

Why I’m Jealous of Grieving People

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Dad died when I was 6, and life went on seemingly undeterred. All these years later, I find myself envious of those who have the chance to mourn.

Modern Loss Going Home

Going Home

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After my dad's death, now it just feels like a house.

Love, Dad

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On my 8th fatherless Father's Day, my dad found a way to send me a handwritten message from the grave.

Yes, You Should Binge-Watch Netflix Alone on Mother’s Day

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Cut yourself a break on Mother's Day — with or without a dead partner.

I Hate That Mother’s Day Rips Me Apart with Sadness and Guilt

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I know it's cliché, but the holiday still knocks me off my axis.

My Ectopic Pregnancy Nearly Killed Me

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I’d dreamed of having a baby since my mother died. Then my body betrayed me.

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.

No Thanks(giving)

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My parents and I aren't in a Thanksgiving mood after my brother's sudden death. Other relatives disagree. How can we can ditch the holiday in style?

After My Daughter’s Death, On Guilt and Apologies

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In the year since cancer took my little girl's life, I find myself saying 'I'm sorry.' For not being able to save her, for surviving her death, and for simply being 'sorrowful.'

How I’m Making Mother’s Day My Bitch

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I've spent years wallowing on this Hallmark holiday, missing my dead mom. This time, though, I'm making it my own.

Mother’s Day, Millennial Style

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How Tootsie Rolls and apple cider helped bring my haphazard support system together on the first Mother's Day after my mom's death.

7 Tips for Speaking with a Bereaved Mother

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How do you support someone going through the unimaginable? To begin with, don't say you can't imagine what they're going through.

A Day for Lovers, Without Mine

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On my first Valentine’s Day without Evelyn, I spent hours paging through old photographs. Those pictures speak to our love and her resolve, but they don’t tell the whole story.

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