The First Christmas Without You

Full description

Store windows light up, music plays everywhere, and everyone talks about family gatherings. You already know one chair will stay empty. The first Christmas after a death often comes like a wave you can see from far away without knowing how to get through it. The First Christmas Without You is a 28-page guide and journal to prepare for the holidays while grieving, with a gentle plan instead of just enduring them.

You do not have to do things "like before". You are allowed to choose what is good for you this year.

What you will find inside

• Understand: why December is so hard when everyone celebrates, and a page to name what you dread the most
• My plan: our traditions (which to keep, change or set aside this year), what I will say when people ask, my holiday week day by day, and a way to make a place for the person who is missing
• 12 guided days: decorations, gifts, music, invitations, their recipe, the ornament, the children, rest and other specific holiday moments, each with a question and a small gesture
• The big days: pages for Christmas Eve, the day itself and the day after, a letter "Merry Christmas, I miss you" and a page to step into the new year without them

Who this journal is for

For you who will live your first holidays after losing a parent, a spouse, a child, a friend or a loved one. For you who dread the family dinner, the gift exchange or the songs on the radio. For you who host the holidays and want everyone, young and old, to be able to grieve gently. It is also a deeply thoughtful gift for a grieving person in November or early December.

How to use it

Ideally, start a few weeks before the holidays. Fill in the My plan section first: it helps you make decisions ahead of time, calmly, instead of at the last minute under pressure. Then do the 12 days in whatever order suits you, as the moments get closer. Keep the big-day pages for December 24, 25 and 26. If you buy the journal in the middle of December, go straight to the section you need today: every page works on its own.

What you receive

• 2 PDF files: the English version and the French version (28 pages each)
• Clickable contents and side tabs on every page to jump between sections in one second
• A "Contents" link at the bottom of every page
• US Letter pages (8.5 × 11 in), easy to print at home or at a print shop
• A soft, simple design made for writing with a stylus just like by hand

The journal works with GoodNotes, Notability, Noteshelf, Xodo and most apps that open PDFs, on iPad, Android tablets or a computer. You can also open it on your phone to read your pages. Nothing is shipped: you get your download link by email right after purchase, and your journals stay in your account if you create one.

Good to know

This journal is a writing and reflection tool. It does not replace help from a health or mental health professional. If your grief becomes too heavy, if you can no longer function day to day, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself, please reach out right away: in Canada and the United States you can call or text 988, day and night. In an emergency, dial 911.

Because this is a digital product, all sales are final. Please read the description carefully before buying, and write to us if you have any question: we are happy to help.