DEAR BONNIE: I get very sad this time around the holidays when I think of all my family members who have passed and are no longer here to celebrate Christmas with me. I get depressed just thinking of them, and they are not here to spend the holidays with the family. Any advice on making this time any less painful? Thanks, Cindy
DEAR CINDY: I firmly believe our loved ones are always around us. During this special holiday, they want us to realize that they are always standing right beside us. They know we can get sad because we, on the physical plane, feel the pain of not having their physical body next to us.
While preparing to give a talk about Christmas in Heaven to a congregation, I asked God and spirit, “What do you do on Christmas Day in Heaven?” A loud voice exclaimed, “It’s Jesus’ birthday!” That came through loud and clear.
I would like to share some of the words Sylvia Browne and her son, Chris Dufresne, wrote in their book “Christmas in Heaven.” I have taken a few sentences that are special to me from the book to share with you.
“Gift-giving is a wonderful Christmas tradition; in fact, even Spirits and Angels give gifts to Jesus on Christmas Day.”
“Christmas is a joyous celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Rich in traditions, such as decorating pine trees with ornaments and lights, exchanging gifts among friends and family members, and singing classic songs created for the season. The weather is perfectly warm with gentle breezes. The people you loved throughout life are with you, smiling and laughing. No one is in pain, angry, or confused. You feel important and loved.”
“Heaven looks just like earth in its most natural, unspoiled beauty. Every living thing that God created exists in Heaven. There is no prejudice or tension. There is only love. Our spirits spend eternity enjoying the company of the world and the people we love. Christmas is celebrated in the Rose Garden in Heaven. All God’s creations – people, angels, animals, and even nature have a role in preparing for Christmas. The Rose Garden is always breathtakingly beautiful, but even more so at Christmastime. On Christmas morning in the Rose Garden, all the spirits of Heaven gather together. The weather on the Other Side is perfect in every way. There is snow in Heaven. Snow in Heaven is not cold and icy like it is on our side. It is actually warm and fluffy! When you go to bed on Christmas Eve, say a prayer that you may see your Loved Ones celebrating Christmas in Heaven. Ask God that you will remember something from your visit.”
These are just a few of the sentiments from the book. I purchased this book years ago to read to my father, as he was always sad that his mom (my grandmother Bertha) had passed when he was just four years old. I wanted him to think of his mom at Christmas, enjoying the holiday and helping ease some of the sadness.
This book gives you another way of bringing Christmas in Heaven alive — such a lovely way to think of our loved ones who are no longer here with us. When we think of them enjoying the holiday, it gives us permission to enjoy it as well.
So when you think of your loved ones in Heaven, try to picture them joining you around the Christmas tree, celebrating and singing with the angels and having their own special Christmas. Maybe they’re even sledding!
We do visit heaven at night when we sleep, so try and do what Sylvia suggested and see if you can take a peek into Heaven and remember a little of your visit to the Other Side.
Love never dies, and our memories live within us. Keep your loved ones in Heaven close, and honor their memory by placing a favorite ornament on the tree or holding hands with your family and singing their favorite song. No gesture goes unnoticed.
Enjoy your Christmas, and know that in your heart, they will be there beside you always and forever.
Bonnie Page is a Psychic Medium and Spiritual Counselor who is available for private sessions by calling her office at 978-413-5704 or by visiting her website at BonniePageMedium.com. If you would like to ask a question for Bonnie’s column, please send your question to [email protected]