12/24/2025
The holidays can be difficult for those missing a loved one. Here are some great suggestions to help you navigate the season. Do only what you feel you can, but don’t hesitate to lean on those you love. Remember that those you are closest to will welcome you and your grief for any activity you choose to participate in. Mostly, just take care of yourself and don’t make demands of yourself. Wishing you peace and comfort this holiday season…
Grief and the Holiday Season
For most of us, the holidays are generally anticipated with excitement and joy. Griever’s however, approach the season with a mixture of dread, excitement and anxiety. Their memories of holidays past can bring forward painful emotions filled with longing and regret. Expectations of family and friends can further add to a griever’s fear of ruining the joys that others experience. This can lead to wanting to avoid situations and to isolation. For individuals who have recently lost someone close, the season is an especially difficult period to navigate.
A starting point to overcoming anxiety associated with attending holiday festivities is to have honest conversations with family and friends about what activities you are comfortable with and what activities you feel may be difficult for you. Discussing plans before the event is one way of letting family and friends know that they may need to be counted on for support. Grief takes energy and making sure you have adequate rest, silence and solitude helps create a space where unique needs can be acknowledged and addressed.
When attending events, remember that the emotions associated with grief can surface when least expected. Some grievers report feeling ambushed by grief, never knowing what word or situation will trigger an uncontrollable outburst of emotions. Having recourse to step away or even escape may be warranted: plan this with a trusted individual and hopefully this will eliminate any fear of losing control.
Begin by attending a shorter event, one which lasts only an hour or two. Learn how this makes you feel and assess you’re your ability to cope. Achieving a small goal such as meeting with family and friends reinforces the grievers understanding that they can participate in holiday season activities. Engaging in a creative activity of the griever’s choosing can lead to uplifting thoughts where small joys are experienced.
It is important to lower expectations and engage in activities that are manageable. Having a plan that addresses concerns in the days preceding the holidays will ease the task ahead.
Remember, the holidays season will soon be over. Some will find solace in knowing that ‘this too shall pass.’
Bertha Brannen
Bereavement Group Leader
© Affinity Funeral Service/CFHC Online
