12/25/2025
If you’re grieving this holiday season, chances are your children are too. 💛
They may be wondering:
“If we aren’t going to Grandma’s, what will we do instead?”
“How will we cut down the Christmas tree without Dad?”
“Who’s going to make our special Christmas breakfast?”
Kids feel sadness, loneliness, and anger just as deeply as adults—sometimes even more. As you plan for the holidays, think about how you can prepare them for the changes ahead and help them express what they’re feeling. 🫶
🗣️ Talk with them ahead of time. Author Lois Rabey shared how she approached her children: “Before the season started, I said, ‘We’re going to do the best we can and celebrate what the season’s about, even though Daddy’s gone. … This will feel different. You may feel sad. Come talk to me, and we’ll work through it with God’s help.’” Honest conversations—spoken with love—give kids security and permission to feel.
🎄 Include them in the planning. Ask your children: Which traditions matter most? What decorations feel important this year? What new ideas would they enjoy if a usual activity feels overwhelming? Counselor Dr. Paul Tautges explains, “Involving your children teaches them that in grief, we all have to take small steps in working through it.”
💬 Help them express their emotions. Kids don’t always put their feelings into words. Their grief may show up as misbehavior, irritability, unusual quietness, or withdrawal. Counselor Dr. Brad Hambrick encourages parents to simply be near:
“One of the best things we can do is be in the room with them… so the thoughts moving through their minds get the opportunity to spill out through their mouths.”
Share gently about your own feelings, and then pause and listen—really listen.
❤️“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything… Then you will experience God’s peace… His peace will guard your hearts and minds.”
— Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)
🙏Take a moment and pray this prayer: Lord, caring for my children is so hard when I’m hurting too. Give me strength to guide them in healthy grieving, and help them know Your comfort and love. 💛
Reflection:➡️ How will you open the lines of communication with your children—or help them connect with a safe adult who can listen?
Learn more at https://heal.gs/4p6acFy.