Heather Mangan

Dear Heather,

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine passed away. It was hard for me but I had managed to accept that he was gone, until now. The approaching holidays are constantly reminding me of my friend and the holidays we shared before he died. I used to love this time of year but now I can’t get even a little excited. In fact, I am dreading Christmas and I wish it would just be over. I think my “Scrooge” spirit is starting to spread to my family and friends. i hate being like this, but I can’t seem to be happy. How can I enjoy the holiday without forgetting about my friend?

~Missing Him

Dear Missing,

I understand how hard it must be celebrating your first christmas without your freind, but you can’t let it ruin your holiday

This is a time to celebrate family and friends. instead of mourning your friend’s death, celebrate his life. Don’t concentrate on the fact that he is gone but be thankful you had a chance to know him and spend time with him.

Honor him in little ways like sharing your favorite Christmas stories of him with your family and friends. You should also spend time with his family because this is a gard time of year for them as well. Just remember not to focus on him being gone.

it may be hard, but try to enjoy the holidays like you normally would. Don’t avoid things that remind you of him, that won’t make it an easier. If you had Christmas traditions with him, continue to do them, it will help you feel closer to him.

Your friend probably wouldn’t want you to be gloomy and mournful durring the holidays. Be joyful, and keep your freind close to your heart.

#1.884584:3649476605.jpg:heathermug.jpg:Heather Mangan, Columnist: