The following is from a series on self-care to help you through the holidays.  So here’s wishing you a cruelty free Christmas or joyous holiday!

Honor a Loved One.  Perhaps this Christmas is your first year without your parent, a partner or a grandparent.  Holidays can be very painful when someone you love is no longer here.  As you gather around the table, perhaps you can honor your loved one by having each family member tell what they most appreciated about that person.  Another great way to honor someone is to give a gift in their name.  It could be anything-flowers at a church, a monetary gift, a present or book for a stranger, or something as simple as shoveling your neighbors out when the next snow storm hits.  I find when I celebrate the life of my departed family and friends the grief is easier to bear.   Today’s blog is dedicated to my father, Dr. John Garvey, veteranarian.  Who would you like to remember today?