Coping With Grief At The Holidays

Coping with Grief at the Holidays

01. Set realistic expectations for yourself.

Remind yourself that this year is different.
Look at the events and expectations and ask yourself if you want to be apart and continue them. Accept your friends offer to cook, shop, decorate.

02. Surround yourself with people who love and support you.

Share your plans with family and friends and let them know of changes in holiday routines. Memories can be a source of comfort so share them by telling stories, looking at photos and watching old movies.

03. Allow yourself to feel joy, sadness, anger…allow yourself to grieve.

Identify your friends and relatives who understand the holiday season can increase your sense of loss and who will allow you to speak openly about your feelings. Find your people who encourage you to be yourself and accept all of your feelings.

04. Draw comfort from doing for others.

Consider giving a donation or gift in memory of your loved one. Invite a guest who might otherwise be alone for the holidays. Adopt a needy family during the holiday season.

05. Create a new tradition or ritual.

Some people find comfort by honoring traditions, while others find them unbearably painful. Some examples of new traditions or rituals:

🌲 Create a memory box and fill it with photos or memory notes of your loved one.

🌲 Make a decorative quilt using favorite colors, images, or pieces of clothing that remind you of your loved one.

🌲 Light a candle in honor of your loved one.

🌲 Have a moment of silence during a holiday toast to honor your loved one.

🌲 Share a favorite story or write a poem about your loved one.

🌲 Play your loved one’s favorite holiday music or favorite game.

🌲 Plan a meal with your loved ones favorite food.