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A Note from Linda
December is here—a month filled with twinkling lights, familiar traditions, tender memories, and often, complicated emotions. As we step into a season that can bring both warmth and heartache, I want to remind you that however you’re feeling is valid.
The holidays can amplify grief, loneliness, stress, or emotional exhaustion. They can also bring small moments of peace, connection, or even joy. There is no “right” way to feel this month. You deserve gentleness, space, and compassion every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of the Mending Piece by Piece community. I’m continually grateful for those who have entrusted me with their grief stories, shared memories of their loved ones, or simply allowed me to support them along the way.
Rethinking Holiday Expectations: Finding Balance This Season
“Happy Holidays” is everywhere, but for many, this season brings a mix of emotions—joy blended with sorrow, hope intertwined with heartache, nostalgia paired with longing. Holiday expectations can be overwhelming, especially when grief, mental health challenges, or family stress are part of your world.
This year, consider permitting yourself to rethink what the holidays need to look like. Release perfection, embrace meaning, and honor what feels right for you.
Here are gentle reminders for navigating December with balance and compassion:
Tips to Cope with Holiday Stress
Set Realistic Expectations
Let go of “picture-perfect.” Focus on what truly matters for you this year, not what the world tells you should matter.Accept People as They Are
Don’t expect holiday miracles with long-standing patterns or personalities to change for one day of the year. Protect your peace by meeting others where they are.Prioritize What Brings You Joy (or Relief)
Choose the traditions, gatherings, and activities that feel grounding or meaningful—and release the ones that feel like obligations.Plan, Delegate & Pace Yourself
Break tasks into smaller steps. Share the responsibilities. You don’t have to carry everything alone.Carve Out Time for Yourself
Schedule moments of rest, stillness, or reflection—especially when your emotions feel full or your energy feels thin. It’s okay to step away when you need to.Set Boundaries Without Guilt
“No” is a complete sentence. Say no when you need to. Say “I can’t this year.” Say “I’m keeping things simple.” You’re not disappointing anyone—you’re caring for yourself. Protect your mental and emotional health.Focus on Meaning, Not Materialism
Gifts fade. Moments last. Focus on conversations, quiet memories, or meaningful rituals over perfection and pressure.Stay Present
Try not to compare this year to years past. Your life has changed—and your holidays can change with you. Slowing down helps reduce anxiety about what “should” happen.Honor Your Emotions
If grief, sadness, or nostalgia show up—it’s okay. Feeling emotional during the holidays isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of being human.Create New Traditions
If old traditions feel too painful or too overwhelming, give yourself permission to create something new—something that fits where you are now.
Coping with the Holidays After Loss
For those grieving, the holidays can carry an added layer of complexity.
You may feel the weight of an empty seat at the table… the absence of their laugh… or the silence where their voice once filled the room. Memories may feel sharper this time of year, and that can be incredibly tender.
Grief doesn’t pause for the holidays.
And joy is not a betrayal of the person you miss.
Joy and sorrow can coexist.
Light and heaviness can share the same space.
A moment of laughter does not mean you’ve forgotten.
A moment of sadness does not mean you’re going backward.
Here are a few ways to care for yourself as you move through the season:
Take Care of Your Body
Rest. Hydrate. Nourish yourself. Your emotional strength depends heavily on your physical well-being.
Give Yourself Permission to Say No
You don’t have to force yourself to attend every event or continue traditions that feel too painful right now. You are allowed to choose what feels manageable.
Stay Flexible
You can change your mind the day of. If you wake up and don’t feel up to something, it’s okay to pivot.
Evaluate Traditions With Kindness
Keep the ones that bring comfort. Let go of the ones that feel too hard. Create new rituals that bring warmth or meaning.
Find Ways to Give Back
Acts of kindness—volunteering, donating, helping someone in need—can create connection and purpose when your heart feels heavy.
Set Gentle Expectations
This year may look different. That’s okay. Different doesn’t mean wrong—it means real.
Lean on Support
Reach out to people who understand. Share what you’re feeling. You don’t have to carry the weight of the season alone.
The holidays may never feel the same—but you can still find moments of peace, meaning, and connection, even through the lens of loss.
Holiday Support Video: Coping with the Holidays
I created a gentle YouTube video to support you this month:
👉 How to Handle Grief During the Holidays 2025 – Gentle Support for Loss & Loneliness
It offers comfort, validation, and simple tools to help you navigate this season with compassion.
Mending Moment
Mending Moment is a special segment that invites you to share your stories of healing and growth—or seek advice about the challenges you’re facing. Whether it’s a comforting memory, a poem, a response to our monthly prompt, or a request for guidance, your voice can inspire and support others.
Last month’s question was “What helps you cope and deal with grief during the holidays? Or, share a special memory or tradition that keeps your loved one close this time of year.” |
I use my grandmom’s christmas cookie recipe every year. When I am baking using her recipes I remember fond memories of growing up and baking with her.
The holidays are usually very hard since losing my spouse. I try and keep the traditions that were important to her, like hanging up the lights and decorating the tree. I do it for her.
Each year I donate to a cause in my mom’s memory.
Monthly Moment:
Share a sentence, a story, or even just a feeling that reminds you of your loved one.
To submit a Mending Moment:
Message Us on Instagram: Direct message us your 'Mending Moment' on Instagram.
Email Us: Send your story, response, or question to [email protected]. Please include 'Mending Moment' in the subject line.
Feel free to share as much detail as you’re comfortable with. Stories can be anonymous if you prefer.
Mending Piece By Piece Podcast
This season on the Mending Piece by Piece Podcast focuses on Men’s Mental Health and Grief — a topic often overlooked but deeply important.
Here’s what’s available so far:
In this moving episode, Jim Rinere shares his lifelong experience with anxiety and depression, the moment his family saved his life, and how vulnerability became his greatest strength. His story offers hope, honesty, and connection for anyone walking a similar path.
Michael Straley courageously opens up about losing both his children, Leah and Christopher, to tragic circumstances. His journey through grief, addiction, recovery, and meaning-making is a testament to resilience and the enduring love of a parent.
After losing his brother to suicide, Ihsan Hines transformed his pain into purpose. As founder of MBK Cares, he shares his story of grief, community support, and faith — offering a powerful perspective on men’s mental health and the importance of connection.
In this heartfelt episode, Dr. E.J. Hanhart reflects on losing his wife, Wendy, to cancer and the winding path of grief that followed. His openness about love, vulnerability, resilience, and honoring his wife’s memory offers comfort and insight for anyone facing profound loss.
Releases December 16
Episode 6: Navigating Grief, Fatherhood & Resilience with Hogan Hilling
Hogan Hilling shares his powerful journey as a father navigating grief, disability, emotional support, and men’s mental health. This conversation dives deep into the long-term impact of grief and the importance of breaking the silence around men’s emotional experiences.
Subscribe to see new videos, conversations, and future episodes:
🎁 Support Mending Piece by Piece This Holiday Season
If you’re looking for meaningful gifts—or you’d like to support this community—visit the Mending Piece by Piece Store for shirts, mugs, blankets, totes, and mental health awareness items.
Each purchase:
🌟 supports the podcast & newsletter
🌟 helps keep grief resources accessible
🌟 donates 10% to a local mental health organization
Shop here:
🛍️ Mending Piece by Piece Shop
☕ Additional Way to Support
If you’ve found comfort, inspiration, or support through the podcast or newsletter, consider buying us “a cup of coffee.” Your support helps us create meaningful content, host powerful conversations, and hold space for those navigating grief.
Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us make a difference—one step at a time.
Looking for additional resources to assist you with the grief process? Check out the Mending Piece by Piece Workbooks & Journals below.
A Gentle Holiday Message
However you’re feeling this month—hopeful, heavy, grateful, exhausted, tender, or all of the above—I want you to know this:
You are not alone.
Your grief is valid.
Your love is real.
And you deserve compassion every single day.
Wishing you peace, comfort, and gentle moments of connection this holiday season.
Until next time, continue mending piece by piece…
Mending Piece by Piece