Vincent van Gogh’s last words resonate with many grievers this holiday season:’La tristesse durea--the sadness will never go away.’No, it will not go away. But it will change. Grief can be overwhelming, and it is especially intense during the holidays--those weeks that have always been spent in preparation and anticipation with a loved one who has been lost. While the world seems to be moving forward and celebrating life, grievers face a season of darkness and loss.For you--or as gift for someone you know who is grieving--Harold Ivan Smith guides the reader beyond the darkness with illustrations and insights that emphasize God’s ability to transform the holidays into a time of grace and healing.

This special gift book edition of bestseller A Decembered Grief is designed to guide you on a journey beyond grief. Harold Ivan Smith will teach you how to alter traditions instead of abandoning them, appreciate the grief styles of others, and befriend your grief instead of dread it. Suffering the loss of a loved one at any time of the year is difficult, yet during the holidays or special occasions, those grieving experience a more intense sense of loss. The world is moving forward and celebrating life and all its blessings, yet for grievers, a darkness pervades the holiday. This book is an invitation to enjoy Christmas and its companion holidays again. Even when grief overwhelms learn to move forward and celebrate life. Learn to survive the darkness that robs joy from the holiday season for many grievers.