<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1542607/open_sms">Send us a text</a>The holidays can feel like a spotlight—bright, demanding, and sometimes blinding—especially when there’s an empty chair at the table. We sit down with certified grief educator <a href='https://mariabelanic.com/about-me/'>Maria Belanic</a>, whose loss of her son reshaped how she understands healing, to talk candidly about what helps, what hurts, and how kindness can make the season more human. Instead of pushing forced cheer or tidy endings, we build a framework for real support that honors memories and respects limits. Maria unpacks why grief doesn’t follow stages or timelines and offers her CARE pillars—Compassion, Acknowledge, Release, Embrace—as a steady guide through unpredictable days. Together, we challenge holiday myths, share simple scripts you can use right away, and normalize changing plans: keep a tradition, reinvent it, or skip it entirely. We talk about naming the person who’s missing, bringing a favorite dish in their honor, and asking better questions like “How are you feeling today?” that invite truth without pressure. You’ll learn how to set boundaries with hosts, plan graceful exits, and support someone who chooses to stay home without making them feel forgotten. This conversation is about presence over performance and attention over avoidance. If you’ve worried about “saying the wrong thing,” you’ll hear clear, compassionate alternatives. If you’re grieving, you’ll get language to protect your energy and permission to be exactly where you are. And if you love someone who is grieving, you’ll discover small kindnesses that turn isolation into connection. If this resonates, share it with someone who might need gentler holidays this year, then follow and leave a review so more people can find conversations that heal.This podcast is a proud member of the Mayday Media Network — your go-to hub for podcast creators. Whether you’re just starting a podcast and need professional production support, or you already host a show and want to join a collaborative, supportive podcast network, visit <a href='https://maydaymedianetwork.com'>maydaymedianetwork.com</a> to learn more. Enjoyed this episode? Stay connected with us! Follow our podcast community on <a href='https://www.facebook.com/thekindnessmatterspodcast'>Facebook</a>, <a href='https://www.instagram.com/thekindnessmatterspodcast/'>Instagram</a>, <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rathbun-173549201/'>LinkedIn</a>, <a href='https://www.youtube.com/@KindnessMattersPod'>YouTube</a> and <a href='https://www.tiktok.com/@thekindnessmatterspod'>TikTok</a> for uplifting, inspirational, and feel-good stories. Don’t forget to <a href='https://thekindnessmatterspodcast.com/contact/'>subscribe</a> to our newsletter for monthly updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and more content designed to brighten your day." “Intro music: ‘Human First’ by Mike Baker – YouTube Music: https://youtu.be/wRXqkYVarGA | Podcast: Still Here, Still Trying | Website: www.mikebakerhq.com <a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1542607/support">Support the show</a>

Podurama

Home

Trending

Personal

Your Podcasts

New Episodes

My Files

Favourite Episodes

Tags (Folders)

Recently Played

Bookmarks

Followed Playlists

Holidays, Grief, And Genuine Kindness

The Kindness Matters Podcast

AI Chapters

AI Insights

Reviews