Our Monthly Tip: Create a Holiday Breakfast Basket for Your Grieving Friend

Our Monthly Tip:

For many, the holidays are about making comfort food and sharing it with those we love. We gather around the table to share special meals, reminiscing on the last time we were all together. For those who have lost someone recently, the table may feel empty now that their loved one is no longer with them.

You can add a little cheer to their morning by creating a Breakfast Basket, full of delicious morning treats. This thoughtful gift may truly be a lifesaver if your grieving friend has guests or children at their house to feed.

How-To Suggestions:

The possibilities for your Breakfast Basket are endless. The key is to deliver your basket by hand to your friend, so that any items that must be kept cold can be quickly stored in the fridge.

Perhaps the easiest themed Breakfast Basket is one full of delicious ingredients for pancakes. You can purchase a pancake mix from your favorite grocery store. Some mixes require only water while others may call for eggs and/or milk. If your mix calls for extra ingredients, be sure to include them in your basket.

You can also include all the pancake toppings you can think of. Items like syrup, honey, and butter are traditional. However, you can make sure they have a special breakfast by adding a jar of jam, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Once you’ve collected items for the main course — in this case, pancakes — you can think about other breakfast elements. You may want to include coffee (grounds or k-cups, whichever applies to your friend), tea, or orange juice. You can also add any other items you know your friend might enjoy — such as a small book of Sudoku puzzles or crosswords.

If your friend has children or other family staying with them for the holidays, this basket will be a lovely addition to their morning. If your friend lives alone, you may want to share the contents of the basket with them. Offer to cook the pancakes while they brew the coffee. Grief experts are unanimous in their belief that people in mourning often don’t know how to ask for what they want or need. Perhaps sharing a plate of cozy pancakes and a cup of coffee may be the moment of comfort they are craving.