How to cope with grief around the holidays?
Coping with grief during the holidays, such as Christmas, can be challenging, maybe this is your first holiday that you will spend without your loved one, even if you are on your 12th event it does not get any easier.
That is why we wrote this article. There are strategies that may help make thing a little easier:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings:
Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions. It's okay to grieve, and the holidays may intensify your emotions. Recognize and accept your feelings without judgment.
The people that love you will understand the pain that you are going through. They donțt want you to feel guilty or feel like you can not be vulnerable in their presence. It is okay to cry and not feel up to every festivity.
- Create New Traditions:
Consider establishing new holiday traditions or modifying existing ones. This can help you navigate the season without feeling overwhelmed by memories of the past.
If you used to go out and get a new tree every year you can now change that tradition a bit. You can get an artificial tree and collect unique ornaments for it, or even make them yourself.
- Reach Out for Support:
Share your feelings with friends, family, or a support group. Talking about your grief can be therapeutic, and others may offer comfort and understanding.
- Set Realistic Expectations:
Understand that the holidays may be different this year. It's okay not to feel festive, and it's okay to scale back on holiday activities if you need to.
- Plan Ahead:
Decide in advance how you want to spend the holidays. Whether you choose to participate in celebrations or prefer a quieter time, having a plan can help you manage expectations.
We encourage you to make plans with your loved ones. They are the ones that truly understand what you are going through. And spending your holiday with people that knew and loved the one that passed keeps their memory alive.
- Take Care of Yourself:
Grieving can be physically and emotionally draining. Ensure you get enough rest, have a balanced meal, and engage in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation. Maybe a good run might get you to process the thing that you are feeling, or a long walk, or maybe a movie.
- Memorialize Your Loved One:
Find meaningful ways to honor and remember your loved one. This could include creating a memorial, lighting a candle, or participating in a charitable activity in their memory.
Here you can make it really personal. You could even create a box with letters written for the one who passed and read them every time you feel like you need to be closer to them. Make it your own.
- Be Gentle with Yourself:
Give yourself permission to grieve at your own pace. Understand that healing is a gradual process, and it's okay to have both good and difficult days.
- Consider Professional Help:
If you find it challenging to cope with grief, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Professional guidance can provide valuable tools and coping strategies.
- Practice Self-Compassion:
Remember that grieving is a unique and personal process. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate through the holiday season.
It's essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being during this challenging time. If your grief becomes overwhelming or persistent, seeking professional help is a proactive step towards healing.