By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE president & CEO
For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, family, and celebration. But for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, the holidays can intensify feelings of sadness and pain. A 2021 survey found that 36 percent of respondents didn’t want to celebrate the holidays due to feelings of grief or loss.
While it is difficult to face the holidays without a loved one, there are ways to find comfort and hope throughout the season.
Acknowledge your emotions. The first step in handling grief during the holidays is to recognize and acknowledge the emotions you are feeling. Don’t deny or ignore the sadness that comes with missing a loved one. Instead, allow yourself to feel and express those emotions. Set realistic expectations for yourself as you accept the ups and downs you may experience. It is okay to cry, to talk about your loved one, and to take time for yourself to grieve.
Create new traditions. At the same time, make space for happiness. Allow yourself to enjoy the holiday season in whatever ways you can. This could include creating new traditions, spending time with family and friends, or volunteering to help those in need. You can also find comfort in your faith or spiritual practices. Allow those who care about you to assist with holiday shopping, decorating, cleaning, and cooking to lessen feelings of loneliness and help find joy.
Honor your loved one. Memories were made in love, and the holiday season is a time to remember that love never dies. Keep memories alive by displaying pictures, telling stories, visiting a memorial site, making a loved one’s favorite foods, or participating in activities your loved one enjoyed. You can also consider ways to give back to the community in their honor. Aim for connection with others as togetherness can be an antidote for loss, and conversations with family and friends can bring you closer and create moments to cherish.
Take care of yourself. Additionally, it is important to take time to rest and practice self-care. Get enough rest, eat healthy, and stay hydrated. Exercise can be a great way to cope with stress and sadness. Writing in a journal can be a good outlet for your grief and be sure to reach out for help if you need it. Talk to a friend, family member, or mental health professional if you need additional support.
Embrace the grieving process. Finally, it is important to remember that bereavement is a universal, understandable human response to loss and everyone grieves differently. Some people may find comfort in talking about their grief and seeking support from friends and family. Others may prefer to be alone and take some time to reflect and process their grief. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by grief during the holidays. Experiencing joy and laughter during a time of grief does not mean you have forgotten your loved one. Create an open and ongoing dialogue with others to help honor each person’s capacity for how, when, and in what ways they participate.
While it can be hard to find joy during the holidays when you are grieving, remember that you have the strength and resilience to get through this difficult time. Acknowledge and honor your emotions, find ways to make space for happiness, and take care of yourself. With time and support, you’ll be able to find comfort and peace during the holiday season.