Grieving Through the Holidays

Going through the holidays when you’ve experienced the loss of someone very close to you can be incredibly difficult to do. For many of us, the holidays are a time to share and cherish in our relationships with other people, and to be with family. We hold many dear memories of our time with parents, siblings, adoptive family, and even the friends in our life that are like family to us. These are the people we hold closest to our hearts, but when we lose one of them, we grieve for the loss of that connection and the person. Because the holidays tend to be the time in which we foster those connections with other people, the lack of connection can be like a hole in our hearts. Grieving through the holidays is difficult, but, with the right supports, it can also be a time of healing. Here are a few things to keep in mind about grieving, according to Amy Goyer of AARP (Source):

1. “Only do what feels right.”

2. “Accept your feelings – whatever they might be.”

3. “Call on your family and friends.”

4. “Acknowledge those who have passed.”

5. “Do something different” this year.

6. Or, even “skip it” if that is what feels right for you.

Taking time to move forward, remember your loved ones and share these thoughts with others, accepting how you are feeling, reaching out to others, and celebrating the lives of those who have passed and those you still hold dear (Source), can help you navigate the grief you are feeling. Your current supports are there for you, and even if you need a little extra help, know that it is okay to seek out these supports. Counselors are also there to help you through grief, even if all you need is a couple sessions to talk things through or need resources about a support group.

You are not alone.