Cheryl Christopher

Thanksgiving is often painted as a time of joy, filled with family, laughter, and shared meals. But for those of us who have lost loved ones, the holiday can also be a poignant reminder of what—and who—is missing. This year, as the holiday approaches, I’ve been reflecting on how to honor both the grief I carry and the gratitude I still feel.

Grief is not an easy companion, especially during the holidays. It sneaks into the quiet moments: the empty chair at the table, the food they used to love, the traditions they we shared. It can make the warmth of the season feel distant, the celebrations bittersweet. And that’s okay. Grief doesn’t mean we’ve failed at Thanksgiving; it means we loved deeply.

But even amidst the heartache, there’s room for gratitude. Not the forced kind that demands we be “okay” or plaster on a smile, but the quiet, reflective gratitude for what we still have: the memories, the lessons, the love that endures. It’s in remembering the way their laughter lit up a room or how they made us feel seen and cherished. It’s in holding close the people who are still here with us, even if we have to love them through our tears.

Thanksgiving after loss may never feel the same, and that’s okay. It doesn’t have to. What it can be, though, is an opportunity to honor the complexity of our feelings—the grief and the gratitude, the sorrow and the love.

To anyone grieving this holiday season: You are not alone. Your loved one’s absence is felt, but so too is their impact on your heart and your life. May this Thanksgiving bring you moments of peace and a reminder of the love that continues to surround you.

If you feel like it, I’d love to hear how you’re honoring your loved ones this Thanksgiving. Let’s keep their memory alive together. 🧡