Jenny Marrs is embracing the joy of the holiday season while navigating the grief of several losses this year. The HGTV star reflected on decorating for the holidays as she adjusts to the passing of her mother-in-law, her Nana, close neighbors, and the family’s dog.
Jenny Marrs Shares Heartbreak of Grief During the Holidays
On November 23, Marrs took to Instagram to share a glimpse of her holiday decorating, noting that she did it earlier than usual this year. She also reflected on how, amid the joy of the season, her family continues to grieve the loss of loved ones.
“I’ve always been strictly in the no-decorating-before-Thanksgiving camp but our family collectively decided that, this year, we need holiday cheer and twinkling lights and stockings and the Hope of Christmas sooner,” she explained in the caption.
Marrs continued, “So, we hauled down the totes and hung the garland and the lights and, as we carefully lifted the sentimental ornaments from their wrapping and reminisced, the tears fell. As the stocking placement was being debated, I searched for last year’s photos and happened upon this one of Dolly sleeping at the foot of the stairs. More tears.”
“All the firsts without the champion of Christmas herself: Dave’s mom. She is missed everyday but the first Christmas without her and the way she spearheaded Christmas cheer feels monumental and impossible,” Marrs shared. “And, the first Christmas season without a mid-December pizza night and ridiculous over-the-top gifts from our neighbors Bob and Jill. And, the first without unwrapping the seven angel ornaments for the tree from Nana. And, the first without Dolly sleeping by the warmth of the fire.”
Marrs looked to the brighter side of the season, noting, “Even still, the promise of Christmas rings ever true: God with us. He’s right here as we laugh one minute and can’t stop the tears the next. He’s here: Right in the midst of the sorrow and the grief.”
“So, we decked the halls today. And the twinkling lights may not make our tender, weary hearts feel whole but they certainly don’t hurt,” she added. “Our home feels like it’s smiling and that’s surely the start of something good.”
Fans Share Their Love & Support
The HGTV star’s post was flooded with supportive comments from her fans. “Gosh you made me cry,” one fan wrote. “It’s so difficult when people and pets are missing.”
“It’s been a heavy year for you all. So glad our Lord is carrying you all,” another fan noted. “Your house is beautiful.”
One person wrote, “It’s all so beautiful. The first Christmas without a loved one is always full of mixed emotions … Merry Christmas to you all.”
“You have had all the loss and only fair you welcome the hope of Christmas early,” another person noted. “Your home looks exceptional! Thanks for sharing. Merry, merry Christmas.”
Others wrote, “Thinking of you and remembering how much you all have been through! Early Christmas lights was definitely the right idea!” and “May you all feel those angels around you this holiday season. It’s been a rough year. Hugs to all!”
