My first Christmas without my mum: here's how I'm navigating grief

Today’s episode is a deeply personal one… and honestly, one that I knew I needed to record not just for you, but for me too.This is my first Christmas without my mum.If you’re new here, my mum passed away in June this year after battling terminal cancer, and it's been one of the toughest seasons of my life. My mum wasn’t just my mum… she was my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the person I told absolutely everything to. And because she loved Christmas more than anyone I know, this time of year has been feeling especially heavy.In this episode, I’m opening up about how I’m navigating grief during the holidays and sharing the exact things I’m doing to take care of myself, things that might help you too if you're going through a similar season.Grief can feel incredibly lonely…but it shouldn't be. You are not alone, my friend.Here’s what I share in this episode:1. Allowing myself to actually feel my griefFor a long time I kept myself busy, distracted, and “strong.” But grief doesn’t disappear because we ignore it - it builds up.2. How I’m honouring my mum this ChristmasBefore my mum got sick, she had a whole Europe trip planned — Spain, Italy, Switzerland… all the places she dreamed of visiting. She never got to go.So this year, I’m going for her.3. Changing my environment instead of staying homeThis was something my mum told me to do — to spend my first Christmas somewhere different, surrounded by family, creating new memories and giving myself a bit of emotional breathing room.So I’m in Italy with my auntie, my cousin, and their new baby — and it’s exactly where I need to be.A message from my heart to yoursIf this is your first Christmas without someone you love — or your fifth, or your tenth — please know this:There is no “right” way to grieve.You are allowed to feel joy and sadness at the same time.You are allowed to cry while wrapping presents.You are allowed to set boundaries, to rest, to do less, to take care of yourself.You are allowed to change traditions… or keep them… or create new ones.Your grief is valid. Your love is valid. And you are not alone.This episode is dedicated to anyone who is hurting this season — especially those of you living abroad, far away from your families, or navigating a “first” without someone special.If this spoke to you, or you know someone who needs to hear it, please share this episode with them. You might help someone feel seen.Thank you, my friend, for listening — and for being here with me through 91 episodes. I’m so grateful for you.Sending you so much love this holiday season.See you next week. 💛Links & Resources:Apply for coaching: HEREFollow Angela on Instagram: HERE