The holidays have always been a time of joy, warmth, and family traditions. For many of us, those traditions revolved around one central figure—the person who made Christmas feel like Christmas. And for a lot of people, that person is Mom. But what happens when, for the first time, you’re facing a Christmas without her?
It’s hard to even imagine, isn’t it? You’re supposed to be wrapping presents, decorating the tree, or baking cookies, but instead, you’re hit by the crushing realization that things will never be the same. The holidays, which were once filled with laughter and excitement, now carry a shadow of sadness. But despite how heavy that grief feels, there are ways to get through this season while honoring the love and traditions that Mom left behind.
First things first—it’s okay not to be okay. Don’t force yourself to be the life of the Christmas party or to bottle up your feelings. You’re allowed to feel sad, to cry, and to miss her deeply. Grief is a natural part of losing someone, especially someone as central as a mother. If you need a moment to step away from the festivities, do it. Whether it’s a quiet walk, a cry in the shower, or a simple minute to yourself, give yourself permission to grieve.
There’s comfort in tradition, even in the smallest things. Maybe Mom always made her special ham, or she hung the same old star at the top of the tree. While it’s tempting to skip those traditions altogether because of the pain they bring, holding onto one or two of them can be surprisingly healing. You could cook her favorite dish, play her favorite Christmas song, or hang that same star. In doing so, you’re not just keeping the tradition alive—you’re keeping a piece of her with you.
While it’s important to honor the old, creating new traditions can be equally as healing. You could gather with your family or friends and think of new ways to celebrate Christmas moving forward. Maybe this year, instead of the usual big gathering, you opt for a smaller, more intimate dinner. Or perhaps you decide to do something entirely different, like giving back to those in need or taking a trip away from the usual holiday hustle. New traditions don’t replace the old; they simply provide you with something fresh to look forward to.
Christmas without Mom might make you feel isolated, but remember that you’re not alone. Family, friends, and loved ones are all around you. Talk to them, share stories, and reminisce about the good times you had with her. Sometimes, grief feels lighter when it’s shared. And if you’re not ready to talk to people close to you, there are online support groups or communities where you can connect with others going through the same experience.
One beautiful way to honor your mother during the holidays is by creating a memorial moment. This could be as simple as lighting a candle for her on Christmas Eve, setting aside a moment of silence, or hanging a special ornament on the tree in her memory. It could even be writing her a letter or leaving her a little note under the tree. These moments help you feel her presence and acknowledge that she’s still a part of your life, even if in spirit.
Amid the whirlwind of Christmas preparations, grief can often lead us to neglect ourselves. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing too much or retreating too far. Find a balance. Take time to rest, eat well, and nurture yourself. Self-care doesn’t have to mean anything elaborate; it could be as simple as getting enough sleep, watching a favorite Christmas movie, or spending time with people who make you feel safe and loved.
Grief can feel like a blanket that covers everything, making it hard to enjoy the things you once loved. And sometimes, when you do feel a flicker of joy, guilt creeps in. But here’s the truth: it’s okay to feel happy, even in the middle of grief. It doesn’t mean you’re forgetting her, nor does it mean you’ve “moved on.” It means you’re still living, and you’re carrying her memory with you in a way that allows you to find joy again.
Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and it certainly doesn’t take a holiday break. Don’t expect yourself to “get over it” or “move on” just because Christmas is here. Healing takes time, and the pain will ebb and flow. Be gentle with yourself, and don’t rush the process.
Your first Christmas without Mom will never be easy. It will be filled with moments where you feel the weight of her absence. But here’s what you need to know: you will figure it out. It’s okay if this holiday season looks different from the last. It’s okay if you’re not sure what Christmas will look like moving forward. And it’s okay to feel both the sadness and the hope that come with the holidays.
What’s important is that you give yourself the space to grieve, the freedom to find joy, and the grace to move at your own pace. Mom’s love and memory live on, not just in the traditions and stories, but in every act of love you give to yourself and others.
Christmas will never be the same, but it will still be Christmas. And just like the star on the tree, her love will always guide you.
Sa kanto ng barangay namin sa Tabuco, merong isang mumunting computer shop. Hindi man kalakihan, pero sapat na para sa amin ng mga barkada. Laging puno ang shop, lalo na kapag gabi, dahil dito ang takbuhan ng mga kabataan na tulad ko para maglaro ng Dota, Counter-Strike, at minsan, manood ng porn. At sa lahat ng computer sa shop, may paborito ako—unit number 4.
Grief is universal, and though the paths we walk may be different, the experience is deeply shared by all of us. For those who find solace in anime, you already know the medium offers more than action-packed battles or fantastical worlds. Some of the most moving and profound stories come from these animated tales, reminding us that while loss is inevitable, healing is possible.
The following anime shows won’t just distract you—they will help you process, reflect, and, in their own unique way, offer you something meaningful to hold on to during your grief.
Katulad ng kantang “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” kung saan ang plaka ay umikot na at nagwakas, ang buhay din natin ay may hangganan. Ngunit paano nga ba natin haharapin ang ating huling kabanata nang hindi takot, kundi may buong tiwala at paghahanda? Narito ang ilang mga praktikal at espiritwal na gabay upang maghanda sa kamatayan nang may kahinahunan at grasya.
It’s hard to even imagine, isn’t it? You’re supposed to be wrapping presents, decorating the tree, or baking cookies, but instead, you’re hit by the crushing realization that things will never be the same. The holidays, which were once filled with laughter and excitement, now carry a shadow of sadness. But despite how heavy that grief feels, there are ways to get through this season while honoring the love and traditions that Mom left behind.
Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of the hardest journeys you’ll ever face. And in today’s world, there’s no shortage of advice on how to “handle” grief. Some of it is useful, but let’s be honest: a lot of it involves shelling out serious cash for therapy sessions, online courses, or even pricey medications.
But what if I told you that there’s more than one way to cope with grief? You don’t have to take the “blue pill” (a quick fix through expensive means) or fall into the idea that professional help is the only solution.
