Going Home for the Holidays

​In last week’s Blog, I spoke about my grandfather’s passing. It occurred on Thanksgiving, which, while sad, is not particularly uncommon. Many of us lose individuals around the holidays. I personally have lost both grandfathers, two great aunts, a dear friend and a step brother.
 
Why might this be so?
 
Last week, I discussed the common things people experience and do before they pass: They See the Other Side; They are Visited by Deceased Loved Ones; They Check Items Off Their Bucket List; and, They Say Good-Bye. Many of these are accomplished during the holidays. Let’s take a look…
 
The last two, checking items off their bucket lists and saying good-bye to loved ones, are the most easily demonstrated.
 
Checking Items Off Their Bucket List – How often do you hear an individual who knows the end is near hope to make it to a specific date or occurrence. They may say, “I hope make it to Christmas” or “I’d love to make it to the end of the year.” This arbitrary date becomes a concrete and specific goal or item on the bucket list that is attainable. But, once they hit that date or occurrence… what’s next? Some don’t know. And for some, hitting this goal becomes an accomplishment allowing them to be ready to let go of the earthly plane.
 
Saying Good-Bye – During the winter holidays (or any holiday for that matter), we tend to see family members and friends we haven’t seen in a while, perhaps since this time last year! Feeling joyful and nostalgic, we carve out time for those we love that we may not at other times during the year. I know I do. Because of that, the opportunity to visit with loved ones is easier for the individual who knows they are passing. It takes less energy to gather everyone and say good-bye. Instinctively knowing this is likely the last time they will see a loved one, it gives them the opportunity to pass in peace.
 
As mentioned, it is obvious how the first two are accomplished during the holiday season. The next two are a little less apparent.
 
They See the Other Side – When I described the other side last week, this was explained as a physical ability to get that glimpse of the other-side. To see the other-side, however, an individual doesn’t just see it with their naked eye, they can also feel it in their heart. That’s what happens this time of year. Because regardless of one’s faith… Pagan, Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, etc… the holidays we celebrate remind us that out of the darkness comes the light. This light, this heaven, brings peace, love, joy and most of all hope. Hope that there is something bigger at play and that the universal God, whatever you call it, saves us. This thought brings comfort to individuals here, but especially those who are passing whose faith may have waivered. It reminds them that there is more to life than what is here. Not only that, the faith and hope provides a glimpse of what the other-side may be like… making passing less scary.
 
Visits from Loved Ones – Again, last week I described this as visits that may have been with the naked eye or in dreams. During the holidays, while individuals may not see their deceased loved ones, during the holidays it is impossible to not be visited by their memories. It might be stories families told around the dinner table, written in the cookie recipe you make or traditions you keep, and maybe even be heirloom decorations that are pulled out. These memories bring our loved ones close to our heart. And we yearn to be closer with them. I see this all the time… I’m busiest around Christmas and Easter. That yearning for reconnection can make passing easier.
 
While this just scratching the surface of why it is not uncommon for people to pass around the holidays, it can hopefully bring comfort in knowing that many pass because they are happy and have found peace.

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