When the Holidays Feel a Little Different
Buffy Johnston • November 12, 2026
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to familiar traditions, family gatherings, and time spent together. But for those who have lost someone they love, these moments can also bring a quiet ache.
An empty chair. A favorite recipe. A familiar voice that's missing from the conversation.
Grief doesn't take a holiday, and neither does love.
This season, give yourself permission to celebrate, to remember, and even to feel sadness alongside joy. Share a favorite story. Keep a meaningful tradition alive. Make room for the memories.
Because while the holidays may never feel quite the same, love has a beautiful way of remaining present.
Every veteran has a story. A story of courage, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve something greater than themselves. But beyond the uniform is a person who is also a parent, grandparent, spouse, neighbor, or friend. As funeral directors, we have the privilege of hearing these stories and helping families honor lives shaped by service, love, and dedication. This Veterans Day, I encourage you to do more than simply thank a veteran. Take a moment to listen. Ask about their experiences. Learn their story. Share it with the next generation. Because the greatest way we can honor those who served is to ensure their stories, sacrifices, and legacies are never forgotten.
Halloween often brings thoughts of costumes, pumpkins, and playful frights, but it also reminds us of how communities have long used this season to reflect on life, loss, and remembrance. For many families, October can stir memories of loved ones who have passed, making compassion and connection especially important. In death care, we understand that grief does not follow a calendar, and moments of reflection can appear even during lighthearted celebrations. Taking time to honor memories, share stories, or visit a resting place can bring comfort during a season centered on tradition. Halloween encourages us to acknowledge both joy and remembrance, reminding us that honoring those we love is a meaningful part of every season.
The holiday season often brings a mix of anticipation and heartache, especially when you’re carrying grief into a time that’s meant to feel joyful. As the celebrations approach, it’s important to prepare both practically and emotionally. Grief can surface in unexpected ways—through memories, traditions, or the quiet moments between gatherings. Allow yourself to acknowledge these feelings rather than push them aside. Create space for what comforts you, whether that’s simplifying plans, honoring a loved one with a small ritual, or leaning on supportive friends and family. Preparing for the holidays isn’t about avoiding grief; it’s about giving yourself permission to feel, remember, and move gently through the season with compassion for your own heart.
