Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Grace’s topic today really hits home for me. This will be our second holiday season without my dad, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer in April 2024. I’m just about the holly-jolliest person you could ever hope to meet when it comes to Christmas—but last year, I didn’t feel much like celebrating. Christmas Day was split between two worlds: Parading around to ensure our son had a good day, and sneaking off to cry in the shower.

I’m no expert when it comes to things like this. But something we’re trying differently this year is being very, very intentional with our time. We baked and decorated Christmas cookies at the beginning of the month and ate them way too close to bedtime. We booked a ride on the Polar Express in mid-November, and it was one of the most enjoyable nights of my whole life. We’re rearranging Christmas Day so we can stay in one place instead of zipping from house to house like we usually do.

Nothing will ever replace spending the holidays with my dad. But oh by golly, he’d be real upset if the holly jolly went away, too. When we ate cookies, we talked about Pop. After the Polar Express, we went out for ice cream—his favorite treat. For Christmas, I’ve bought myself a ring with his birthstone. We’re finding ways to incorporate his memory in our special celebrations. If you’ve lost someone you love, the holidays are hard. And while it may be tough to navigate the days, I hope you’re able to find pockets of peace among the tears—because I’m so genuinely glad you’re here.

Hi Grace,

I’m living with depression and grief. In the last year, I experienced two losses and had a really hard time during holidays, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day. I just cry sometimes for days, and it’s hard to come out of that dark place. 

I’ve been on a waiting list for a therapist for over a year, which only makes me feel more helpless. I need to find a way to keep my head above water. What do you suggest?

— Struggling outside of St. Pete

Dear Struggling,

Oh, friend. I wish I could give you a big hug. Losing someone you love can shake your whole world. You are not alone in facing depression and grief, and it often feels worse during holidays. We grow up seeing pictures of happy families, warm homes, and tables full of comfort food during this season. But the truth is, for many people, the holidays bring financial stress, grief, and loneliness. 

Here are some ways you—and others going through the same thing—can get through this hard time of year…

Unapologetically, goodbye sweet potato casserole. 👋

We won’t have a Friday edition this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but I’d still love to hear your opinions on this one. 

Write to me here, and don’t hold back!

We’re sharing a quick roundup of neat things to do over the weekend. Have an event you’d like to see featured? 💌 Send it my way!

Saturday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. (Virginia Beach)

Santa’s Seaside Cinema invites guests of all ages to a free movie series throughout the holiday season. Saturday’s fun will feature a showing of “The Santa Clause” at 3:30 p.m., and festivities will include a hot cocoa bar, visits with Santa, holiday shopping, and more from noon until 6 p.m. Get more info here.

Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. (Pennington Gap)

Join the Barter Players for their adaptation of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” a live show based on the book of the same name. Tickets are $20 at the door for adults; children and students get in free. Reserve your spot here.

Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. (Fort Monroe)

Is history your forte? Fort Monroe is offering its final Prominence and Power of the Powhatan Chiefdom guided walking tour of the month—and it’s absolutely free. This program will look at how politics, economics, culture, and religion shaped tribal communities and their early interactions with English colonizers. Learn more here.

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