The holidays can be a tender time for anyone carrying grief, whether through the loss of a loved one or the quieter aches of life’s changes. In this reflection, I explore why the season can feel especially heavy and how to find a middle way that gently holds both sorrow and light. You’ll find simple, compassionate guidance for supporting others, caring for your own heart, and creating meaningful rituals that honour whatever you’re carrying this year.

Coming together in ceremony can transform how we experience grief, hope, and community. Whether large or small, these gatherings offer a space to reflect, share, and feel connected.

In my work as a celebrant, I’ve witnessed ceremonies where families honour life’s fragility, engage in shared rituals, and celebrate moments of joy and remembrance. Even simple acts, like blowing bubbles on the grass, can leave a lasting sense of connection.

Take a moment to imagine what a meaningful ceremony could look like in your own community.

Last night I dreamed my Grandpa Jack was still alive. A week earlier, it was my Grandma Esther. These dreams, arriving as the veil between worlds is thin, have me reflecting on remembrance, on the ways our beloved dead stay present in our lives, and on the tender beauty of keeping their memory alive.

A California family wanted more than just a party to mark their daughter’s graduation—they wanted something meaningful. This story offers a glimpse of how any milestone can be honored with heart, intention, and personal ritual.

Legacy isn’t something we leave behind—it’s something we live into. In this blog post, I share why artists like Brandi Carlile, Jacob Collier, and Jon Batiste inspire me deeply. Their work reminds me that legacy is not about perfection or performance. It’s about presence. Integrity. Openness. Staying aligned with your own truth and essence.

What started with a single phone call in Sweden became a lifelong friendship filled with shared meals, music, and moments of connection. Nearly 28 years later, that bond led to the release of Saskatchewan Moon, a song co-written across continents. This is the story of how friendship and creativity can transcend distance and time.

Life is full of turning points—moments that shape us in ways we may not fully realize. Often, we revisit these experiences in familiar ways, viewing them through the same lens each time. But what if we could break out of that pattern and shine a fresh light on these memories? Simple writing exercises can help us do just that, revealing the richness of our lives in ways that structured thinking alone can’t reach.

In a recent workshop, I invited participants to reflect on a pivotal moment with a quick flash-writing exercise. One participant shared, "Wow, in that brief time, it took me right back to the space where I had a big decision to make and was tormented. So these questions you have for reflection would be a good guide for me to complete that picture." Another noted, "It took me back to an event - a story - that I've visited quite a few times. It's a narrative that's been kind of repeated but there's more to it. I was able to somewhat deepen my understanding of it. If I had more time, I'm pretty sure I could do that even more."

These moments remind us that reflecting on our stories can unlock new perspectives, helping us shape not only the life we’re living now but also the legacy we leave behind.

Sometimes the most powerful legacy-shaping idea comes in the form of a good question, thoughtfully considered. This blog post lifts up several gems that were originally articulated by John O’Donohue and Rick Rubin. Consider making them a part of your personal ritual practice to tap into that your own aliveness!