Keep departed loved ones part of Christmas, says trauma expert

One expert says keeping a loved who has recently passed away part of Christmas is one way to cope with their loss.

Certified Trauma Specialist Christine Dernederlanden says decorations can play a role.

“If they want to get back into celebrating Christmas, take part of the tree and make it a memorial, placing special ornaments on the tree that represent their loved ones; creating some new traditions that represent their loved ones, that being having a certain type of pie that always reminds us of Dad or Mom or having a special drink that reminds us of a brother or sister.”    

She adds another idea is to make a donation in memory of someone who has passed away.