Spouseless and the Holidays By Mar Jennings

One of the worst scenarios during the holidays is to have lost a spouse and facing being alone. As a widower I have first hand experience with this topic. I now understand that I needed to experience such a loss to know how important the ability to love is to life. Not only did I lose my beloved partner, but I also lost my fourteen-year-old Schnauzer several months later, leaving me to celebrate the holidays alone in an empty house. In the months to follow I discovered my voice and created a casual luxury brand that represents my lifestyle, home and garden. I have an amazing life now, all rising from the ashes of grieving.

Here’s my wisdom and personal insight for those who are in search of divine inspiration to help cope this holiday season:

Mar Jennings’ inventive and original blueprint for design infuses Mother Nature’s colors and textures throughout the home and garden. Mar creates resourceful designs for a casual luxury lifestyle. As featured in HGTV, QVC, the Today Show, NY Times and many other national media outlets. For more information visit www.marjennings.com.

Accept Help

Don’t be a martyr. What I mean by this is to let your family or close friends take care of you. If they offer, accept. And if they don’t, ask for what you need. I did. If someone offers to make your bed and comb your hair, let them! You will forever remember these acts of kindness and who was there when you needed them the most. Same goes for anything you are traditionally responsible for at the holidays—dinners, baking, presents. Some folks feel they should make the effort “for the sake of the family”—no one needs the reminder about “what’s different this year,” and others may not be sure how to be involved. Instead, allow others to pick up these responsibilities while you focus on cherishing the time you spend with them.