For those who are grieving, the holiday season can often feel like one of the most difficult times.
What can make this even more difficult is navigating any sense of guilt for talking about your
grief. Many people fear the chance of dampening the holiday season and may chose to isolate rather than sharing their journey with their support system. It is important to remember that your grief is valid, and your support system most likely wants to know how to best support you during these times.
Here are a few things to consider if you are someone who is grieving through the holiday season:
1. There may be conflicting feelings with both wanting to celebrate the holiday season and
also needing to grieve.
2. The holiday season may bring on more feelings of exhaustion than typical. Expectations
of others can influence these feelings.
3. Some people may feel out of place attending holiday gatherings because this may be
their first time doing so without their loved one who has passed.
4. For some, there may be a sense of relief if their loved one is no longer suffering during
the holiday season.
5. Many people may not know what they need for support during the holiday season.
And for those supporting a loved one who is grieving this holiday season, you may want to
consider the following practical ideas:
1. Recognize that grief shows up differently for everyone. Remind anyone grieving through
the holidays that it is okay to navigate the conflictual feelings at their own pace.
2. Help reduce the number of responsibilities and expectations held by those grieving.
Simplify things for them by inviting them to your gathering but not requiring them to bring
anything special, unless of course they find it healing to do so.
3. Hold space for them to grieve by inviting conversation about their loved one. This can be
an important way of honouring those lost and remembering them during the season.
4. Allow them to make decisions that are best for them. They may initially plan to attend a
gathering but may not feel up to it when they day comes. Recognize that these last
minute changes may produce added feelings of guilt and support them with wherever
they are at.
5. Offer specific help for those who may not be able to identify what they need. You can
provide options, such as delivering a meal or babysitting. They may decline; however,
they will know that you are someone who cares enough to offer.
By acknowledging the ups and downs of grieving through the holidays, loved ones can be
remembered and new memories can also be created. It is hoped that the suggestions provided in this article can support those grieving through this holiday season.
Submitted by: Walking Through Grief Society
Funded by FCSS; City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Villages of Kitscoty and Marwayne and County of Vermilion River.
コメント