Holidays

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.

Thanksgiving After Jack

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A few weeks before Thanksgiving, my 12-year-old son went out to play in the rain and never came home. That year, everything about the holiday just felt wrong.

On Thanksgiving, Hitting the ‘Reset’ Button

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We never had any holiday traditions, like the ones you see on TV. But in my mom's absence — and in her honor — I'm creating some.

Father’s Day Without Dad, Vol. 10

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My rational side tells me that the third Sunday in June is just another day. But when that day rolls around, I feel my dad's absence more intensely.

Gold Star Widow

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At my first Memorial Day conference for military families, I found kindred spirits among the brokenhearted.

Reclaiming Mother’s Day

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Modern Loss' founder opens up about celebrating Mother's Day for the first time in eight years, and compiles some the site's most moving pieces about losing a mother, and losing a child.

To Be a Motherless Mother on Mother’s Day

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Five years after my mom’s sudden death, the birth of my son returned to me something I had been missing.

Festival of Freedom

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Following my miscarriage, the symbolism of the Passover holiday is particularly resonant.

Death, Valentines and the YA Section

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When my best friend died, I was through with Valentine's Day (aka her birthday). I found solace in the library, surrounded by teen angst.

5 Grief Goals for 2014

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A young widow vows to make new mistakes this year, and to give guilt the boot.

On New Year’s, Clawing My Way Back

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The year my partner drowned, I bought a supermarket lobster — and set it free.

’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?

On Thanksgiving, Longing to Go Home Again

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For years, I swore off Thanksgiving. Then my mom died, and I found myself longing to go home again.

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