Coping with Grief Over the Holidays

I think everyone can understand that the holidays, typically a joyful and merry time, are hard for those who have lost a loved one. Here are some things you can do to cope with grief over the holidays:

1. Don’t isolate yourself
   • While it may seem easier to just cancel the holiday altogether, it’s important to balance yourself with social events
   • It’s totally okay to say no to some things but don’t completely isolate yourself
2. Allow yourself to grieve
   • Everyone has a unique way to grieve
   • Recognize & understand that there is no right or wrong way to grieve
   • It’s okay to feel joy during the holidays
3. Self-care
   • Rather than face masks or spa days, self care in the form of exercise, good sleep, less alcohol, & more can be really beneficial to your mental health and help create peace during the holiday season
4. Create a new tradition
   • If you find continuing on a tradition that you used to do with a lost loved one, create a new one that accommodates the situation and your family

In summary, the most important thing to remember during a tough holiday season is that everyone has a different reaction to grief and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Take some of the suggestions above and remind yourself that it’s okay to feel joy, sadness, and/or anger during this rough time. Remember your loved one but also remember to take care of yourself and those around you.

SOURCE:

https://www.vitas.com/family-and-caregiver-support/grief-and-bereavement/holidays-and-grief/coping-with-grief-during-the-holidays