Tree of Memories coming to PVCC

When the family circle has been broken by death, the holiday season may serve to remind one of the empty space at the table and hole in their heart.

To help with this issue, the Platte Valley Ministerial Association will offer the “Tree of Memories” event, a public gathering for those experiencing emptiness and grief at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Platte Valley Community Center. All who are feeling the loss of a loved one are invited to gather for a short time of reflection, a sharing of memories and the opportunity to place a personalized ornament on a community tree. Ornaments may remain on the tree throughout the Christmas season.

Here are some tips to help cope with the season:

d Be aware of your feeling and acknowledge them. Tears, depression, anger, guilt and loneliness are part of grief. You can acknowledge them by embracing them, and they will dissipate more quickly.

d Be gentle with yourself. Grief hurts. Let go of oughts and shoulds. Your loved one enjoyed the holidays with you, let those memories surround you now.

• Make lists. The bereaved often can’t remember things, so make lists of what you have to do. Let of the things that don’t matter this year.

d Take care of your physical health. Grief takes energy. Get plenty of sleep; naps are okay. Eat well, drink plenty of water. Take a brief walk and breathe fresh air. Avoid overindulging in alcohol and sugar, but you may pamper yourself with a piece of fudge, or a glass of wine.

d Share your holidays. Visit a nursing home, volunteer to help others. Invite another to share a meal with you.

d Plan a special moment or memorial. Order flowers for your church or the nursing home, or be given in memory of a loved one. Plant a memorial tree.

d Decorate something. If you can’t bring yourself to put up your traditional tree, try just decorating a table, chagne a tablecloth, add a candle.

d Find something to be thankful for. Write it down and place it where you see it everyday.

d Be intentional about what you do. Make plans, even if the plans are small. Take control over as much of the holidays as you can.