The holidays often are difficult for people who have lost a loved one.

Midland Hospice Care and Lawrence Public Library are sponsoring a nationally known author who can offer help.

Harold Ivan Smith will give a presentation on “Surviving the Holidays” at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the library auditorium, 707 Vt. Smith, who wrote “A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss When Others Are Celebrating,” will provide ideas on how to face the challenge of family gatherings and holiday traditions.

Recognizing that each person is different and that no loss is the same, he also will talk about personal expectations and how to face them.

For more information, contact Pattie Johnston, 843-3833.