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.

During a recent episode of the We Do Wedding podcast, inclusive celebrant Karla Combres talks with co-hosts, Cate Barry and Regina Burrus, about all things ceremony. The conversation begins with weddings before exploring how Karla became a celebrant, what goes into a transformative ceremony, and her passion for creating ceremonies that authentically reflect and connect the people she works with!