Holiday Grief
Grief is hard to endure at any time, but it seems to be worse during the holiday season. Though accepting a loss becomes easier with time, it’s something that never completely goes away. There is no “pause” button for grief, but you can alleviate some of the feelings you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know is struggling with grief this holiday season, here are some tips to help you get through this painful time.
Coping with Holiday Grief
Acknowledge Your Grief
First and foremost, your grief is not going away, so it’s vital that you acknowledge the feelings rather than trying to avoid them. In fact, you may experience positive and negative emotions during the holiday season while grieving, and this is entirely normal! Remember to be kind to yourself and allow the feelings to coexist.
Place Boundaries on Holiday Events
You can choose to participate in holiday events that feel right and skip those that don’t. You may face a bit of pressure to attend family gatherings, holiday parties, etc., but remember to check in with your own wants and needs to ensure that you are ready. You may even find that it works best to commit to certain events while remembering that you don’t have to stay the entire time.
Fill Empty Holiday Roles in Advance
Loss sometimes means that holiday roles must be filled. It’s crucial to plan, especially when children are involved, and fill any vacated positions. For example, an uncle who always dressed up as Santa or a grandma who used to bake cookies. Planning for this well in advance will avoid unexpected moments of grief and may make the experience more enjoyable.
Honor Memories & Traditions in the Midst of Holiday Grief
Some people find it helpful to continue those traditions that existed to celebrate or honor those who are no longer here. This is an excellent way to keep their memory alive and present.
Create New Traditions
If you find old traditions too sad, it’s okay to create new traditions to promote personal healing. Making new memories will not erase memories. The most important thing to remember is that your loved one would want you to enjoy yourself and the holidays. Just be sure to deal with feelings of guilt as they arise during the process.
Seek Help for Grief
It’s vital to seek support from family, friends, professionals, and coworkers when needed. Whether you lost someone close to you or not, the holidays can induce complex feelings, and it’s normal to seek help for grief when it’s needed.
Holiday Grief Lessons Learned
Though it’s supposed to be the merriest time of the year, the holidays aren’t always as happy as we hope. Remember that when dealing with grief, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays. If you are happy, allow it to ease the grief and share your time with those you love. Be kind to yourself and take the holidays one day at a time! Have a Blessed Holiday Season!
About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California
Drop by our Glendora show room any time. In Covina, our relationship with Sacred Heart Chapel is the perfect place for mourners to host funerals and memorial services in a grandiose yet intimate setting. We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles Basin, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Working in the mortuary industry since 1996, we have worked hard to build a reputation of quality, sincerity, and trust. Please allow us to help you at your time of need or in the future. Call today (626) 335-0615 or drop by our showroom.
