How can I face Christmas after my dad died?
Q: My dad died right before Christmas last year. I don’t know how to face Christmas this year.
A: Christmas with my dad was always special—though probably not in the way you’d imagine. Whenever he was left to his own devices, his gifts were wrapped in garbage bags. And his favorite Christmas accessory was his “Bah, humbug’’ hat. Yet, there was always a twinkle in his eye as he enjoyed Christmas treats and watched the kids delight in the day. The year he passed on, I couldn’t imagine feeling the same joy without my dad there.
Christmas came, and not only was my dad gone but we couldn’t even be with our extended family. Then a family member became ill, and I spent most of Christmas taking care of her, feeling alone and sad.
Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.
