Coping with Grief at the Holidays
After losing someone dear to you, the holiday season can be filled with sorrow and loneliness, with celebrations taking place around you only magnifying feelings of grief.
Finding ways to cope with these strong emotions may feel overwhelming. Though the pain will still be present, it is possible to find hope and peace while you manage this difficult time.
Give yourself permission to grieve. A common misconception is that you need to push through the pain of grief as quickly as possible and move forward with your life. But there is no deadline for grief, and people heal in different ways and on different timelines. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that accompany your grief during the holidays.
Create new traditions. Family and friends are often central to holiday traditions. For you, trying to celebrate in exactly the same way once a loved one has passed away may feel too difficult. It is okay to do things differently. It’s also okay not to feel celebratory and do less.
Allow yourself to feel good too. During the grieving process, experiencing joy or happening can feel like a betrayal of the person lost. This can be especially prevalent during the holidays and create a sense of guilt. Feeling positive emotions does not mean that the love is gone; it is sign of your resilience. Grief is complex, and it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions during the process.
Create a ritual in that person’s memory. Light a candle at the dinner table, listen to their favorite music or do an activity you enjoyed together. Whatever you choose, finding ways to honor your loved one can bring you comfort during the holiday season.
