The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration, but if you’re missing someone, this period can be profoundly difficult. Your loved one’s absence may be felt more deeply, and you might struggle to get in the festive mood.
There’s no easy way to cope with grief during the holidays. Each person’s experience is different, but there are a few key ways you can manage your feelings during this time. Here’s what to know about coping with grief during the holiday season and how you can turn a time of sorrow into a time of joy again.
Acknowledge Your Grief
The first step in coping with grief during the holidays is acknowledging your grief. While you may struggle with expectations around feeling and presenting a certain way, it’s more than okay to admit that this time of year is difficult for you.
Grief can manifest in many forms — sadness, anger, frustration, or even numbness — and recognizing these emotions is key to dealing with them effectively. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. If you feel like crying, don’t hold back the tears. If you’re angry, find a safe and constructive way to express your anger.
It’s important to understand that grief isn’t linear. You will have both good days and bad days, and that’s perfectly normal. Accepting all of the emotions as they come can be one of the best paths to healing.
Create New Traditions — And Don’t Forget the Old Ones
You’ve entered a new season of life, and that calls for new traditions. While things may never look the same as they did before, you can make new memories to carry you forward. You might even choose to incorporate your loved one into these traditions. Find ways to remember them while you engage in fun activities.
These new traditions don’t have to replace old traditions. Take part in all the traditions, both past and present, that help you feel close to your loved one. If circumstances allow, consider inviting others to celebrate with you. This can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and add another dimension of meaning to your traditions.
Lean on Others For Support
Losing a loved one is traumatic, and there’s no shame in reaching out for help. If you find yourself struggling during the holiday season, don’t be afraid to seek support, whether through family and friends, professional guidance, or both.
It’s no secret that sharing your feelings with others can be very therapeutic. There can be so much healing and comfort in opening up to those you trust, and they, in turn, can offer advice that may be helpful in your time of need.
If talking about your grief is too difficult, consider starting a journal or expressing yourself through another art form. A therapist can provide strategies to manage your feelings and help you navigate your emotions in a healthy way.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and an important step in the healing process.
Set Boundaries
It’s okay to set boundaries when dealing with challenging emotions, even during the holidays. This might mean being selective about which events you attend, or decorating according to your personal comfort level. Don’t feel pressured to do things exactly like you did in the past — your life has significantly changed, and there’s nothing wrong with taking things slow.
Communicate your needs to your friends and family so that they can understand and support your decisions. Answer whatever questions you feel comfortable answering, and don’t hesitate to be honest about your feelings during this time.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is important each day of the year, but it’s especially important during the holidays when you’re grieving. It’s important to engage in activities that make you feel good, both physically and emotionally. Your self-care could involve anything from taking a daily walk to reading a book or enjoying a hot bath.
It may even involve more structured activities like yoga and mediation. And don’t forget the importance of exercise — even just running for 15 minutes a day can reduce the risk of major depression.
Now more than ever, you have permission to look after yourself. Don’t overexert yourself or participate in anything that doesn’t make you feel good. It’s perfectly fine to take a break from your regular routine and engage in more activities that bring you joy.
Take it Easy This Holiday Season
Ultimately, no matter how you choose to spend the holidays, make sure to prioritize your comfort. Grieving is a long process that, in some ways, has no end date, and it doesn’t get put on hold during the festive season.
Balance is really the key when it comes to celebrating. You can engage in old traditions and activities, but at your own pace and in your own way.
If you need help coping with grief during the holiday season, reach out to our team at Love Heal Grow and schedule an appointment today.
