18/12/2025
𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧✨
The festive season is often presented as a time of joy, connection and celebration. For many people, however, it can also be one of the most emotionally challenging times of the year. When you are carrying grief, the contrast between how the season is expected to feel and how you feel can be confronting.
Grief does not follow a calendar. It does not pause for Christmas Day, family gatherings or the start of a new year. Instead, the festive period can heighten a sense of loss, the absence of someone at the table, traditions that no longer feel the same, or memories that surface more strongly at this time of year.
It is also important to recognise that grief is not only shaped by what happens within our own families. While personal loss, relationship breakdowns, illness or estrangement can have a profound impact, what is happening beyond our immediate lives can also weigh on us. Events across Australia and around the world, including natural disasters, conflict and humanitarian crises, can contribute to a broader sense of sadness, anxiety or emotional exhaustion. Even when these events do not affect us directly, they can still sit heavily with us 😢
During the festive season, giving yourself permission can be an important part of coping. Permission to feel what you feel, without pressure or judgement. You may notice moments of joy alongside sadness, or find that you feel disconnected when others are celebrating. These responses are not a sign that you are doing anything wrong, they are a natural part of grieving.
Lowering expectations can also be helpful. This might look like saying no to certain gatherings, simplifying traditions, or creating new ways to acknowledge both what has been lost and what still matters to you. Some people find comfort in quiet rituals, such as lighting a candle, writing a letter, or setting aside time for reflection.
Connection can be supportive, but it does not have to mean large social events. Talking with one trusted person, accessing professional support, or allowing yourself time alone can be just as valuable.
If the festive period feels heavy this year, know that you are not alone. Grief is a deeply human experience, shaped by personal circumstances as well as the wider world around us. Approaching this season with gentleness, for yourself and for others, can help you move through it in a way that feels more manageable.
The festive season does not require happiness, it simply asks that you honour where you are 🎄
