17/12/2025
Grief at Christmas can feel especially heavy because the season magnifies togetherness and joy. The best way to cope is to acknowledge your feelings, set boundaries around traditions, and create space for remembrance while prioritising self-care.
🌟 Key Strategies for Coping with Grief at Christmas
• Acknowledge your emotions
Don’t force yourself to be “merry.” Grief often comes in waves, and it’s normal to feel sadness, anger, or exhaustion. Allow yourself to cry, rest, or step back when needed.
• Adapt traditions
You may want to keep certain rituals to honor your loved one, or create new ones. For example, lighting a candle, cooking their favorite dish, or sharing memories can help keep their presence alive.
• Plan gently and realistically
Experts suggest making gentle plans rather than rigid schedules. Decide in advance what events you’ll attend and what you’ll skip, so you don’t feel pressured.
• Seek support
Talking with friends, family, or joining a grief support group can ease isolation. Remember you are not alone.
• Practice self-care
Rest, eat well, and give yourself permission to take breaks. Grief can cause disrupted sleep and physical exhaustion, so pacing yourself is important.
• Release expectations
Trauma counsellors highlight that the pressure to be festive can worsen feelings of inadequacy. It’s okay to ignore Christmas altogether if that feels right.
Christmas can magnify loss, but it can also be a time to gently honor memories while protecting your wellbeing. If grief feels overwhelming, reaching out to a bereavement charity or a trusted professional can provide extra support.
