Widows and lonely holidays are almost a given as we are missing our loved ones.  If there is one thing for sure it’s that loneliness only intensifies at this time of the year. Finding tangible ways to honor your husband will help you move through your feelings of loneliness.  Share your memories and the joy your loved one brought into your life. Reacquainting yourself with your hobbies will reacquaint you with your inner self.  Being creative makes us feel engaged and not so alone.  The more we connect with ourselves, the more we can connect with others.  We all need to be that person who becomes part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s okay to be lonely – we all experience it.  It’s important not to judge ourselves for being lonely. Be honest with yourself and let go of expectations to get along with everyone.  You are grieving and emotionally unstable.  Even harder, you may be over sensitive to what others say and do.  The truth is that sometimes we are happier to be by ourselves, even if we are lonely. Here are some tips to help you get some holiday tranquility: .  Cozy up with a good book. .  Understand “season of life” and that holidays will change, kids will grow up and leave Santa behind, they may move away and not be home for future Christmas’s. .  Take a two week break from social media and be present for the people you love.  Facebook makes it look like everyone’s Christmas is perfect – not even close J .  Spend a few moments in prayer to help you focus and give you peace. .  Make your holiday décor simple – with a special ornament and decorations that give the season some special meaning to you. .  It’s Okay to say “No” so that you have time to say “Yes” to the things you really want to do. Mary Francis, The Sisterhood of Widows lonely widow, the sisterhood of widows, widow support, grieving, how to grieve, grief, life of a widow, #thesisterhoodofwidows, #widow, #grief, #griefsupport, #widowsupport, #howtogrieve, #widowshelpingwidows