Ep #106: Cherishing Christmas Past - My First Christmas Without You (Part Two) with Karyn Lynn Grant, The Joy Coach (Dedicated to My Dad, Allyn Edward Rowley and My Mother, Marilyn Joy Grant-Newman)

In this episode, Karyn continues sharing the tender continuation of Episode 106, as she shares more of her poignant Christmas journey. She begins this episode by recounting her memories of one sacred morning, when she visited the life-size nativity scene at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. On that wintry, bitter cold and dark morning, Karyn found inspiration in the stillness, penning “The Nativity Song” on the back of a sales receipt with a dull pencil as she stood beside the nativity scene. This simple yet profound moment became a cherished part of her Christmas story.

Throughout the episode, Karyn shares other nostalgic memories and the heartfelt songs that flowed from them, capturing both the sorrow and sweetness of the season. The episode culminates with the deeply personal song she wrote for her father, “My First Christmas Without You,” composed in the wake of his passing.

If you haven’t yet, listen to Episode 106 for the first part of Karyn's "Christmas Journey", Karyn reminds us how vital it is to extend love and kindness to those grieving during the holidays, offering a hand of compassion and a heart of understanding to those missing loved ones this season.

Episodes 106 and 107 were created in honor of Karyn's parents who have now both passed on to the other side of the veil. May all those who are missing a loved one at this tender holiday season be touched by the Christmas Spirit.