When the Holidays Are Approaching—and You’re Dreading Them

For many, the upcoming holiday is marked on the calendar with anticipation.

For others, it’s circled with a knot in the stomach.

The reminders are everywhere—decorations, music, conversations filled with “Are you ready?” But what if you’re not ready? What if this holiday only magnifies the absence of someone you love?

Grief has a way of growing louder around holidays. Traditions feel incomplete. Memories ache. And the pressure to “be okay” can feel heavier than the grief itself.

If you’re dreading what’s coming, let this be said clearly: there is nothing wrong with you.

God Is Not Offended by Your Sadness

Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

God does not ask you to pretend. He draws near in the very places you feel most undone. The tears you carry into this season are not signs of weak faith—they are evidence of love.

From a mental health perspective, anticipatory grief is real. Our minds begin mourning before the day even arrives. Recognizing this can help us approach the season with gentleness instead of self-judgment.

Permission to Do the Holiday Differently

You are allowed to:

• Change traditions—or skip them entirely

• Say no without explaining yourself

• Leave early

• Create new, quieter rituals

• Protect your emotional and spiritual energy

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Honoring your grief is honoring your love.

A Midweek Reflection

Take a quiet moment and consider:

• What part of this holiday feels most painful?

• What expectation can I release this year?

• What would bring me even a small measure of comfort or peace?

  
  

You don’t need to fix the holiday. You only need to care for your heart.

A Gentle Prayer

God, You see the ache I carry into this season. The empty spaces. The memories that hurt. Walk with me through this holiday, moment by moment. Give me permission to grieve, strength to set boundaries, and peace that meets me where I am. Amen.

Midweek truth:

🕯️ You are not behind in your healing—and you don’t have to carry this season alone.