How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays

Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult, and it can be especially so during the holidays. While nothing can make grief easy to deal with, here are three things that can help you to be gentle on yourself and make it through the holiday season.

Allow Complications

It’s okay if your emotions are complicated. You’re grieving during a time of celebration, which is hard. It’s normal to feel a mix of conflicting emotions, or to feel numb as you simply go through the motions of each day. Everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time, so whatever you’re feeling is part of your own unique grief process.

Avoid Comparing

After the loss of a loved one, it’s easy to compare this holiday season to the ones you enjoyed together in the past, or even to compare your experience with others. A holiday accompanied by grief will be different. Even if others have experienced a similar loss, your experiences are unique to you. Rather than compare, try starting a new tradition in honor of your loved one, or spend time with close family and friends sharing favorite memories of the person who has passed on. However, pay attention to your emotions: if this is something you’re not ready for yet, that’s completely okay.

Save it for Next Year

If you feel guilty that you aren’t up to doing something in memory of your loved one this holiday season, that old traditions have fallen by the wayside, or that you just can’t face celebrating, be assured: there is truly no need for guilt. Whether we want them to or not, the holidays come around every year. Give yourself a break this year and know that there will be a next time.

If you are struggling to cope with your grief over the holidays, please get in touch with us. Our experienced therapists and counselors can give you the listening ear you need and support you through the process of grieving. Grieving the loss of a loved one during the holidays is painful, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.