It is never easy to grieve the loss of someone special, but the holidays can be challenging. During the holiday season, loved ones typically gather to enjoy family traditions. We all feel sad when we remember those we have lost and are reminded of their loss.
It is also possible to honor their memory during the holidays. Sharing your grief with loved ones allows you to remember and celebrate those no longer here. During the holidays, you might be grieving a loved one and looking for ways to honor them.
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Don’t Be Afraid Of Awkward Feelings
Rebecca Soffer, the co-founder, describes holidays as an extension of life. “Families are complex. People grieve differently, even when losing the same person, so you might have to learn new languages to communicate with close relatives. We must get to know each other a little bit again.”
Cherish Memories Of Past Celebrations
Julie Kaplow, Ph.D., the executive director, said, “Many people think it’s better to keep the mood light by not mentioning their losses when acknowledging them is better. Holidays are a time machine with constant reminders of loss, but weaving them into your gathering is cathartic and helps lay the foundation for a new normal.”
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A Trusted Network Of Support Can Ease Your Grief
Confiding in your support system during this emotional time can be helpful. Modern Loss and bereavement groups allow people to express their raw and unfiltered grieving without fear of judgment because they are going through the same thing but are not in each other’s social circles. Soffer said, “Grief is a very individual experience.”
Consider Retreating If Necessary
Dr. Kaplow said, “There’s no right or wrong way to grieve and no set timeline for grief. Grieving is an individual experience. Many people find it challenging to participate in holiday traditions without their loved ones there. People may find it easier to cope if they do something that distracts them rather than engaging in familiar traditions they used to practice.”