The holiday season is often called "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many, it’s anything but. Instead, it can bring a swirl of heavy emotions and bittersweet memories. In this more sombre, heartfelt episode (very off-brand for us – we know!), we dive into how grief and the holidays often collide, shaping everything from traditions to mental health.

In this quickie episode, we touch on:

• How grief manifests during the holidays
• Strategies for reimagining traditions and creating space for emotions, whether joyful or sorrowful
• Meaningful ways to support grieving loved ones, both during the holidays and as the new year begins

This episode is a gentle reminder that grief and love often coexist. We wish you the holiday season that you need, and we can’t wait to see you in the New Year.

Additional Resources:

• Supporting your mental health during the holidays – https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-your-mental-health-during-holiday-season
• Facing the New Year when you are bereaved – https://www.vitas.com/family-and-caregiver-support/grief-and-bereavement/holidays-and-grief/facing-the-new-year-when-you-are-bereaved
• Facing the New Year after the death of a loved one – https://boomingencore.com/facing-a-new-year-can-be-difficult-after-the-death-of-a-loved-one-e20939aa-01c6-4a23-adf1-4c200d251346
• Setting your intentions for the new year – https://www.hospiceaustin.org/grief-and-healing-setting-your-intentions-for-the-new-year/

Philotimo Life episodes are now recorded in Miraki Life Workspace, a creative co-working space that fosters community and collaboration. Be sure to follow Philotimo Life on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

Background music by Oleksii_Kalyna from Pixabay.

Have you ever wondered why we carve pumpkins, dress up, and celebrate all things spooky on Halloween? In this episode, Maria dives deep into the fascinating history of Halloween, exploring how this beloved holiday evolved from ancient traditions to the playful celebration we know today.

What You’ll Learn:

• The origins of Halloween in ancient Celtic and Roman festivals
• How Samhain traditions influenced today’s Halloween customs
• The history behind trick-or-treating, costumes, and jack-o'-lanterns
• How Halloween transitioned to a community-focused celebration in the 20th century
• Discovering medieval traditions like “souling” and “guising” and their connection to modern Halloween activities

Important Links:

• Historical information on Samhain and Celtic traditions via History
• The origins of jack-o’-lanterns and traditional turnip carvings via History
• IMAGES: Absolutely terrifying turnip carvings that would ward off any evil spirit

Philotimo Life episodes are now recorded in Miraki Life Workspace, a creative co-working space dedicated to fostering community and collaboration. Be sure to follow Philotimo Life on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.

Background music by SOULFULJAMTRACKS from Pixabay.

What does it take to navigate the evolving bereavement sector and make informed decisions about death care services? In this episode, Maria sits down with David Brazeau, communications manager at the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), to explore the changing landscape of funeral homes, crematoriums, and consumer protection in the death care industry.

David shares his journey from journalism to his current role at the BAO, where he focuses on education, communication, and public awareness. They discuss topics like alternative death care practices, including alkaline hydrolysis, and the importance of the preservation of historical cemeteries. David also emphasizes the importance of consumer rights, accessibility through social media, and how the BAO’s digital magazine, Beyond, aims to demystify the bereavement sector for the public.

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• What the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) does to protect consumer rights in the death care industry
• An introduction to alternative death care options like alkaline hydrolysis (aquamation) and green burials
• The importance of preserving historical cemeteries and what that process looks like
• Insights into the regulation and oversight of funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries
• How storytelling and education through platforms like Beyond magazine help inform the public

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• Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO): thebao.ca
• Beyond Magazine: Explore Beyond
• Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act
• Radical Death Studies
• Hidden cemeteries of Essex County hold Underground Railroad history via CBC
• Why these historians are restoring the graves of former slaves via TVO
• Respecting and remembering those buried in Canada’s first Black Cemeteries via BAO

Philotimo Life episodes are now recorded in Miraki Life Workspace, a creative co-working space dedicated to fostering community and collaboration. Be sure to follow Philotimo Life on Instagram and sign up for our newsletter.