Episode 9: Holidays Without You – Grieving During the Season of Joy

The holiday season is often celebrated as a time of joy, togetherness, and cherished traditions, but for parents grieving the loss of a child, it can magnify the heartache of absence. In this heartfelt episode of Broken Vessels, Carrie Ann delves into the unique pain and challenges that grieving parents face during the holidays. She shares personal reflections on her daughter Cassie’s favorite traditions, the bittersweet memories that now accompany them, and the ways she has learned to honor her memory while navigating her own grief.

Listeners will find practical strategies for balancing the emotional weight of the season with the desire to create meaningful connections, whether through modifying traditions, integrating their child’s memory into holiday rituals, or establishing new customs that bring comfort. Carrie Ann also provides guidance on setting healthy boundaries with family and friends, offering tools for self-care and emotional preservation during a time that can feel overwhelming.

This episode offers a compassionate space for grieving parents to find solace, encouragement, and a reminder that it’s okay to honor their grief while also making room for moments of healing and peace.

You can read the transcription here.