The Care Courier
A Christmas Carol for the Grieving Heart
For those grieving the loss of someone they love, the holidays can bring a complicated mix of memories, traditions, joy, and sorrow. In A Christmas Carol for the Grieving Heart, Vicki Jolene Lindley looks to Charles Dickens’s timeless story and its journeys through Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come to offer a meaningful perspective on navigating grief during the holiday season.
Discover how honoring memories, adapting traditions, and making room for both sorrow and joy can help you approach the holidays in a way that feels right for you and your family.
Words for the Moments When Grief Steals Your Words
Grief can make even simple conversations feel difficult—especially during the holidays, when gatherings, traditions, and well-meaning questions can bring unexpected emotions.
Words for the Moments When Grief Steals Your Words offers practical, compassionate language for those moments when you know what you need but aren’t sure how to say it. From declining an invitation or asking for space to talking about a loved one or simply saying, “I’ve had enough for today,” these words can help you communicate your needs with kindness and honesty.
How Do I Face the Holidays While I’m Grieving?
Locke Funeral Services invites you to two free workshops offering compassionate guidance and practical ideas for navigating the holidays while grieving.
- Thursday, November 5 — How Do I Prepare for the Holidays While I’m Grieving?
We’ll explore holiday expectations, family conversations, traditions, and ways to create a meaningful plan that honors both your grief and the people you love.
- Thursday, November 12 — What Do I Do When the Holidays Actually Hurt?
What happens when a familiar song brings tears, an empty chair feels unbearable, or a family gathering becomes overwhelming? We’ll talk about handling difficult moments, setting boundaries, finding words when you need them, and giving yourself permission to change your plans.
Both workshops are offered at two locations:
1:00–2:30 PM
Locke Funeral Services
1519 W. 4th Street, Waterloo
5:00–6:30 PM
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo
Free and open to the community. Attend either workshop or both.
Grief doesn’t take a holiday. Neither does our care.
A Little Comfort & Joy This Christmas
The holidays can hold many emotions at once. As we move through the Christmas season, we’re sharing two small offerings for wherever you may find yourself—a meaningful Christmas prayer for moments of reflection, and a little holiday humor to bring a smile and some lightness to the season.
⸻
A Christmas Prayer
Loving God,
As we look at the baby Jesus in the manger,
as we see the Christmas lights,
as we gather around the table,
come into all the places within us
that are grieving.
Enter in.
Into our sadness and fear,
our anger and loneliness,
our pain and woundedness…
A Little Holiday Humor
Sometimes a little laughter is welcome, too. Here are a few Christmas observations from the younger members of the family:
“Mom says Christmas isn’t about presents. I think it’s about presents and Jesus.”
“Grandma makes Christmas cookies from scratch. Mom makes them from the refrigerator.”
“I asked Santa for a puppy. Mom says Santa and she have already discussed it.”
“Jesus was born in a barn? Grandma would never allow that.”
And a few Christmas knock-knock jokes…
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Candy.
Candy who?
Candy you believe Christmas is almost here?
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Mary.
Mary who?
Mary Christmas to you!
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Icy.
Icy who?
Icy you’ve been sneaking Christmas cookies!
