12/23/2025
~ HOLIDAY GRIEF ~
When someone you love passes away, the holidays can be a very tough time of year. Even if you feel like you have made progress in your grief, the holidays present a time of ‘firsts’ -
The first time you realize they are not on your gift list, the first time you decorate the tree without them, or the first time you are responsible for cooking or carving the family turkey. These occasions, and so many more, can make the pain of grief come flooding back, and you may feel as though you have made no progress at all.
While we cannot eliminate this pain, nor do we recommend trying to do so, we would like to offer a few tips to help work through these feelings.
Firstly, take a moment to acknowledge that the holidays will be different and accept that it is okay to feel upset about that. Think about what changes you will need to make to your holiday traditions in advance, and who in your circle can fill some of the ‘jobs’ your loved one took care of. It's important to ask for help and support.
Lastly, create a new tradition in memory of your loved one. By taking the time to remember and celebrate their life, their memory will live on.