**Navigating the Holidays After Loss: Finding Magic Again**

 **Navigating the Holidays After Loss: Finding Magic Again**


The holidays are supposed to be the most magical time of the year, filled with joy, laughter, and connection. But for many of us, that magic is shadowed by loss and grief. Unless you’ve been in this position, it can be hard to fully understand how deeply it affects you. For me, the holidays changed forever when I lost my dad.


I was just 13 years old when my dad passed away five days before Christmas, two days after his 35th birthday. That kind of trauma leaves a mark. It’s not just about losing someone you love; it’s about trying to put on a brave face during a time that’s supposed to be joyous while feeling like a huge piece of your life is missing. To make things even more complicated, I later found out he wasn’t my biological father. But that doesn’t change anything for me. He was my dad, and his absence during the holidays is still felt deeply. 


**The Magic of the Holidays Is in the People Around You**


There’s a post that circulates on Facebook that says, “You realize the magic of the holidays wasn’t the decorations or the gifts—it was what your mom did to make them special.” And let me tell you, I couldn’t agree more. My mom did everything she could to make the holidays magical, even during the toughest times. Her efforts, love, and determination to create joy are something I cherish to this day.


But as the years have passed, things have changed. I miss the hustle and bustle of Black Friday—lining up outside stores on Thanksgiving night, feeling the rush of the crowd, and hunting for the best deals. Now, everything is online. It’s convenient, sure, but it feels like something is missing. That sense of urgency, the shared excitement with strangers in line, the memories made in the chaos—it’s just not the same.


**Balancing Work and Magic**


This year, I’ve been working nonstop, and the work doesn’t stop just because it’s the holiday season. Running a small business means the holidays are one of the busiest times of the year. And for that, I’m grateful. But it also means that sometimes, the magic of the season takes a backseat to the hustle.


This December, I’m determined to make it different. We’re decorating on December 1st—something we haven’t done in years because of how busy we’ve been. I want to take a step back, breathe, and truly enjoy the season. It’s not always easy, but it’s important. 


**Looking Ahead to 2025**


As hard as the holidays can be, they also remind me of how far I’ve come. I’m excited for what 2025 holds—new opportunities, new memories, and hopefully, a little more magic. My journey has taught me that even in the hardest times, there’s always room for hope, gratitude, and joy.


If you’re struggling this holiday season, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel the weight of your loss, but it’s also okay to seek out the moments of magic wherever you can find them. Sometimes, they’re in the smallest things—a favorite holiday song, the glow of twinkling lights, or the love of the people who stand by you no matter what. 


Here’s to making this December a little brighter and welcoming 2025 with open hearts. We’ve got this.


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