Spending time outside talking with a grieving friend can be a meaningful summertime experience
The tradition of humans sitting around glowing embers, warming themselves and sharing stories, has been present since the advent of fire. Gathering with a friend or two to talk and open your heart to one another can be a comforting experience. This summer, you can invite a grieving friend to spend time around the fire with a lovely basket of s’mores ingredients.
How-To Suggestions:
The ingredients for s’mores are simple. You only need three items: chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. You can keep your basket simple by using recognized brands like Hershey, Nabisco, and Jet-Puffed. You could also opt for gourmet chocolates or artisanal marshmallows.
You may also want to include other items in the gift basket, such as roasting skewers, but thin sticks can work in a pinch. Adding a pack of paper plates and napkins will let your friend get started making the treats right away.
Be sure to include an invitation to a night around the fire pit in your s’mores basket. If your friend doesn’t have a fire pit, ask them to come to your home. If neither of you have a fire pit or grill, there are cute tabletop s’mores makers available.
While sitting around the fire and enjoying s’mores, you can make space for your loved one to share stories. According to a recent study by the University of Alabama, spending time around a fire can lower your blood pressure. Sitting around a fire can make a person feel safe while watching a flickering light and enjoying the fresh evening air. This relaxing time can provide moments for your grieving friend to open their heart to share stories of their loved one, talk about their grief or just socialize. Sharing these quiet evenings allows your friend an opportunity to talk and open their heart — the s’mores just make the time around the fire more special.
