Grief has a way of making people question themselves. In the quiet moments, you might find yourself wondering, “Am I doing this wrong?” Maybe you’re not crying as much as you expected or you’re crying all the time. Perhaps you feel numb, distracted, or even okay some days, and then doubt creeps in.

Christmas is often portrayed as a season of joy. Twinkling lights, warm gatherings, family traditions, and the sense that everything is supposed to feel magical. But for many people, Christmas also highlights who is missing. It magnifies grief. It brings memories rushing back. And it reminds us that life has changed in ways we never asked for.

Grief is an emotion that, at some point, everyone will experience. Grief is an overwhelming emotion that we can experience for many reasons. Of course, the passing of a loved one or pet will be the situation that comes to mind first for many people. However, there are many more reasons why someone can experience grief.