Stefanie Hertel: Weihnachten neu ohne Vater – Ein Kapitel der Veränderung
Oh man, Weihnachten. For most people, it's a time of joy, family, and, well, lots of food. But for me, this year, it felt… different. Really different. You see, this was the first Christmas without my dad. It hit me harder than I expected. I mean, I knew it was coming, right? But it’s still a total gut punch when it actually happens. It’s like, you know you’re gonna stub your toe, but it still hurts like heck when you do.
This whole thing made me think about Stefanie Hertel and her recent Christmas album, "Weihnachten neu ohne Vater." I haven't listened to it yet – I'm still kinda processing things myself – but the title alone resonated. I totally get it. The whole vibe of the holidays changes when someone important is missing.
<h3>Dealing with Grief During the Holidays</h3>
It’s not just the sparkly decorations or the carols that feel off; it’s the absence that's overwhelming. It's the empty chair at the dinner table, the unspoken words, the traditions that feel… hollow. This year, decorating the tree felt more like a chore than a joyous activity. I even forgot to buy eggnog! Total fail. See? Even small things feel different.
I've been doing a lot of reading about grief, and it's amazing how many people share these feelings. One article I read mentioned that the holidays can actually exacerbate grief, because of all the happy pressure. Everyone’s supposed to be jolly, and here you are, feeling like a total Grinch! It sucks.
What I’ve learned is that there's no right or wrong way to grieve. There’s no magic timeline. There’s no quick fix. You can’t just snap out of it. It takes time.
<h3>Finding New Traditions and Coping Mechanisms</h3>
One thing that has helped me – and I think might be helpful for other people, too – is to focus on creating new traditions. Not to replace the old ones, but to build new memories. This year, my family and I decided to volunteer at a local soup kitchen on Christmas Eve. It wasn't the traditional Christmas dinner with my dad, but it felt meaningful. And honestly, it was amazing to see how much good we could do together.
Another thing that's been helpful is talking to people. Seriously. Talking about my feelings, even though it was hard, made me feel less alone. Don't bottle it up; let your feelings out. Even if it's just to a friend, a therapist, or even a pet. I know it sounds cliché, but it really helped.
<h3>Finding Support and Remembering Loved Ones</h3>
If you're struggling with grief this holiday season, please know that you're not alone. Seriously, there are so many people out there who understand what you’re going through. And there are resources available. Don't be afraid to reach out for support. It's okay to not be okay.
Remember, Stefanie Hertel's album title is about finding a new way to celebrate. It’s not about forgetting the past but adapting to the present. It’s about honoring memories while embracing change. It’s about finding your own way through the holidays, whatever that looks like for you. And that’s totally okay.
This Christmas, despite the sadness, felt a bit brighter thanks to the little things – the act of giving, the support of loved ones, and even just a moment of quiet reflection. I hope next year will feel more like a regular Christmas again. But for now, I'm okay with a different kind of holiday.