Coping with Grief During the Holidays

For many of us, the festive period involves spending time relaxing and having fun with loved ones. But for those who are dealing with bereavement, no matter how recent, the sights, sounds, and traditions that once brought joy may now serve as reminders of those who are no longer with us. This contrast in feelings can make it difficult to understand how to navigate this time of year, so we hope that we are able to offer some guidance to make it easier for you and your loved ones during the holidays.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Grief can have an unexpected impact, and so it is difficult to prepare for how it may make you feel during particularly sensitive moments. Allowing yourself to feel whatever emotions come will help you to naturally heal, whether it’s sadness from missing someone you love or even moments of happiness from remembering the great times you had with them during the holiday season when they were alive. It’s important to avoid trying to force yourself to feel a certain way or ignoring pain, as this often leads to deeper exhaustion. Instead, allow yourself to accept your emotions as they come and go.

Use Traditions as an Opportunity

Holiday traditions can be deeply emotional triggers when trying to cope with a loss, which also makes them an excellent method of catharsis. You may find comfort in keeping certain traditions the same, or you may decide to adapt them or even start new ones in memory of your loved one. Lighting a candle, setting an empty place at the table, proposing a toast at dinner, playing their favourite Christmas song or sharing stories are all simple ways to pay tribute to and keep a connection with the deceased. Do what feels right for you and your family this year.

Connect with Others

Although typically seen as a time to spend time with family and friends, for those who have lost someone, the holiday period can create a deeper feeling of loneliness. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief during this time, then it’s the perfect opportunity to find ways to support one another. Simply spending time with someone can be enough to help alleviate the feeling of loneliness, but you can also find others to talk to who will understand your loss, such as local support groups, counselling, or community remembrance services. Talking about your loved one or sharing memories can bring healing and remind you that you’re not alone in your grief.

Take Care of Yourself

Coping with grief can take a toll both mentally and physically. If there is the opportunity to do so, the holiday period is a great time to prioritise rest and recuperation by offering a break from the routine of everyday life. Small things like going for a walk, having a meal with friends, or simply catching up on some sleep can provide some much-needed self-care that it would otherwise be difficult to make time for during the rest of the year. There is also no need to feel as though you have to be alone in order to look after yourself. Sometimes, what you might need is to spend time with others, and letting those around you be a part of your healing process can help to lift an emotional burden off of both you and them.

Stay Hopeful

While the pain of loss never fully disappears, with time and care, it becomes easier to carry. At first, the festive period may feel like the most difficult time of year, but with time, it can provide an opportunity to honour loved ones and allow time for you to rest and recover.

We hope that this can act as a reminder to be gentle with yourself, especially at this time of year. Healing is not about forgetting, but about learning to live with the presence of loss.