The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, if you're grieving, this time of year can feel really heavy. The contrast between the festive atmosphere and inner emotions can make the season feel nearly impossible to get through.
Grief doesn’t take a break for the holidays, it’s okay to experience a wide range of emotions. Whether your loss is recent or something carried for years. Whether your loss includes a family member, a close friend, a beloved pet, or maybe a recent breakup. The holidays can stir up memories, traditions, and feelings that bring grief to the surface. Here are some thoughts on navigating this season.
It’s okay to let this holiday season look different. You might not have the energy or desire to participate in everything as usual, and that’s completely understandable. Saying 'no' to things that feel like too much can protect your emotional space. At the same time, creating room for grief can help too. Feeling sadness, anger, or even guilt is normal, and allowing these emotions to exist without judgment is important.
Comfort might be found in honoring a loved one in some way, such as lighting a candle, cooking their favorite meal, going through photos, or sharing memories with others who knew them. Adjusting traditions or creating new ones might also help. If old traditions feel too painful, starting something new, like volunteering or taking extra time for self-care, can help you find a purposeful way to navigate the season.
Kindness toward oneself is also an essential detail. Grief often comes in waves, and emotions can shift throughout the season. Activities that bring comfort such as spending time in nature, reading, or practicing mindfulness, can offer relief. Honoring your loved one’s memory in meaningful ways, like writing them a letter, creating a special ornament, or making a donation in their name, can also provide a sense of connection.
The holidays can be challenging, but they also offer opportunities for reflection, connection, and perhaps, healing. Even though the emotions appear to conflict, moments of joy can coexist with grief. Laughing or feeling happy doesn’t mean forgetting or moving on; it’s simply part of being human. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve and every emotion is valid. Taking things one day at a time and focusing on your personal needs can provide some peace.
For those who find grief overwhelming or difficult to manage, support can make a big difference. Talking with someone can make a significant difference in working through emotions. Trusted friends, family, support groups, or talking to a therapist, can provide some understanding and connection.
If you’re looking for support, Grove Counseling Services is here for you. We can work together to navigate the unique challenges of grief and help you find a little comfort this holiday season.
