Although the holiday season is often filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness, it can feel overwhelming and lonely for those grieving the loss of a loved one. If you’re struggling with grief during the holidays, know you’re not alone. Our bereavement team has gathered some strategies to help you navigate grief during the holiday season.
Why Holiday Are Difficult for Individuals Who Are Grieving
The holidays can be especially challenging for individuals who have recently lost a loved one for several reasons, including:
- Traditions and Memories
- Social Obligations
- Sense of Loneliness
- Disruption of Daily Routine
Tips for Coping with Grief During the Holiday Season
Grieving during the holidays can be difficult but there are ways to take care of yourself and find comfort during this time. Here are some ways to help cope with grief during this season:
- Plan Ahead: Plan your holiday activities ahead to know where you will be and how you’ll spend your time. This can reduce stress and help you set realistic expectations, allowing you to prioritize self-care and avoid feeling overwhelmed by social obligations.
- Light a Candle in Memory of Your Loved One: Lighting a candle in memory of your loved one can be a simple yet meaningful gesture. Place the candle in a special place and light it at a time that feels significant to you during the holiday season.
- Write a Letter to Your Loved One: Writing a letter to your lost loved one can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings. You can keep the letter in a special place or even bring it to their memorial site to honor their memory.
- Decorate Their Memorial Site: Consider decorating your loved one’s memorial site with holiday decorations like flowers, garlands, ribbons, evergreen branches, or a wreath. This can be a beautiful way to celebrate their life and bring some warmth to the season.
- Make a Donation in Their Memory: Donating to a cause or charity that was important to your loved one, like a hospice foundation, is a meaningful way to honor their life. This act of giving can bring comfort and provide a sense of purpose during the holiday season.
- Read a Book: Reading about grief can offer valuable insight, comfort, and a sense of validation. Find books or articles that resonate with your emotions and provide helpful guidance as you navigate your journey of healing.
- Practice Self-Care: Grief can take a toll on both your emotional and physical well-being. Be sure to practice self-care by taking time for yourself. Engage in activities that bring you comfort, such as meditation, taking a warm bath, or spending time in nature.
Holiday Grief Reading Resources
Reading can be a valuable tool for coping. Here are some resources to help guide you through this difficult time:
- Christmas Wish by J. Gribbin Hutchinson
- Mourning and Mitzvah by Anne Brener
- Healing Your Holiday Grief by Alan Wolfelt
- A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others Are Celebrating by Harold Ivan Smith
- Christmas Presence: Twelve Gifts That Were More Than They Seemed by Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (editor), Kass Datterweich, Tom McGrath
- Holiday Hope: Remembering Loved Ones During Special Times of the Year by Editors of Fairview Press
- How Will I Get Through the Holidays: 12 Ideas for Those Whose Loved One Has Died by James E. Miller
- The Empty Chair: Handling Grief on Holidays and Special Occasions by Susan J. Zonnebelt-Smeenge, Robert C. DeVries
Find Comfort and Healing During the Holidays with Residential Hospice
The holiday season can be difficult when you’re grieving, but it’s important to remember that healing is a process, and it’s okay to feel the weight of your emotions. By acknowledging your grief and finding ways to honor your loved one, you can create space for both mourning and moments of peace. Lean on others and seek support when you need it. You’re not alone in this journey. If you need someone to talk to, the Residential Hospice bereavement team is here to offer support and resources.