“There’s no place like home for the holidays and no matter how far away you roam, if you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can’t beat home sweet home.”
I love that sentiment. Come to think of it – who will you be hosting this holiday season? Will your table include a place setting for your dearly departed loved ones? If that thought has not yet crossed your mind please allow me to share with you…
Our ancestors and loved ones in spirit enjoy the festivities and the warm and loving feelings which are amplified during this season of peace, love and joy.
They take great pleasure in sitting by the fireside, keeping company with their loved ones and rejoicing in the simple pleasures of family, togetherness and happiness.
They derive exceptional joy when their loved ones set a place for them at the holiday table, inviting them to be a part of the reminiscing and storytelling of days of yore. Though you may not be able to ‘see; or ‘hear’ them, they are reminiscing right along with you, receiving the love that is generously being served up along with the potatoes and gravy, and they do contribute in their own magical way.
Though all family gatherings may not feel ‘merry and bright’ you may find, if you are so inclined, that there are reasons and opportunities to celebrate gratitude and love. Our loved ones in spirit relish reaching out and connecting, they do everything within their power to get their messages across and comfort us with their presence. They want us to know they have not died – they have merely changed form.
They are still very much a part of our lives.
If yours was a tumultuous relationship, one in which the opportunities to speak your mind, or clear the air was not available, please take joy in knowing it is never too late. It is never too late to have a (two-way) conversation, forgive or be forgiven, make amends, or offer (and receive) the freedom which accompanies forgiveness.
Forgiveness, by the way, may be one of the greatest gifts one can give or receive. This story proves my point… a client I have been counseling, whom I will refer to as Susan, went, through a bitter divorce a few years ago. Her (ex) husband, who I will refer to as Michael, took his own life after they were divorced. Michael left his physical form before he had the opportunity to make amends to Susan or their children, and this haunted him. I was given an incredible opportunity to connect him with Susan and begin a conversation. Through co-counseling Susan has begun to understand Michael’s actions and to exercise forgiveness. Michael is not only grateful beyond words; he is looking forward to being present and a part of his family as they gather for the holidays. He would have been there whether or not he had been invited– but now feels grateful and more accepted, thus sparking feelings of comfort and joy.
I love being able to bring about this type of connection and reconciliation. It nourishes not only my soul, but the souls of my clients and our ancestors and loved ones in spirit. The message I convey today is that it is never too late to extend an olive branch or an invitation to join the family for the holidays.
Our loved ones are always with us, so it comes a no surprise that they, too, resonate with the sentiment ‘there’s no place like home for the holidays’ and long for you to know they are right by your side.
They will be present and accounted for – will you be ready to receive them?
We ho, ho, hope so!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours and may grace and good cheer follow you throughout every season of your life!