A Grief-Friendly Advent Calendar Offers Daily Solace This Holiday Season
Julia and Martin Dobretsberger have developed a special Advent calendar to help people cope with grief during the Christmas season. The project, now available in bookshops, offers daily support through prompts and messages designed for those mourning a loss. Originally created as a personal gift, it has since gained wider recognition for its thoughtful approach.
The calendar runs from December 1st through January 6th, guiding users through the holidays and into the new year. Each day features a prompt or exercise, such as 'What went well for me today?' on December 3rd or 'Write a letter to yourself' on December 7th. These activities are based on the couple’s own experiences and conversations with grieving families.
The calendar provides structured support during a difficult time of year. Its success has led to discussions about expanding the project beyond the holiday season. The Dobretsbergers continue to refine their approach, drawing from ongoing conversations with those navigating loss.
