This season can be mixed with emotions. JOY to be able to serve our families with gifts for all the family members. Sadness and longing for Ellie to be with us. Thankfulness for the gift of almost 3 and a half years with Ellie. Excitement about Christmas with my family.

My ability to create a holiday season with my family since Ellie passed has had it's share of struggles. I have always loved holidays. Loved getting together with family or friends. Making food was always a key part of it for me. It seemed that any holiday revolved around food.

As the years go by, I feel like the sadness of Ellie not being with us is less raw. And that in itself can still be hard. The guilt of it. The fear of forgetting our time on earth with her.

This year, just a few days ago, I got lights on my balcony. Then tonight, I attempted adding more lights, but untangling them proved to be more than I cared to do. For now, they will be table lights, as Grant named them.

All of our Christmas Brave Boxes are out to our families. For that, we are so incredibly blessed and thankful to be able to bring love to them this holiday season. We pray that this lifts a burden for them. Reminds them that they are not alone.

We can’t take cancer away. We can though send a hug in a box.

I pray whatever the holiday looks like for you, that your emotions can flow freely, you can feel the presence of our Heavenly Father, give yourself Grace, and find Joy and peace amidst the craziness that can be Christmas.

Here are some tips from Grant Duckworth on how to maintain your sanity through the holiday season.

https://www.forged-mind.com/blog/how-to-maintain-your-sanity-through-the-holiday-season