IDEAS TO SUPPORT GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

For many grieving, the holiday season can add to the already difficult journey. The article seeks to provide a few practical ideas to support you in your journey.

1. Take time to reflect on the traditions you created with your loved one. Ponder which

traditions you would like to continue and what traditions you may want to put a pause on

for this year.

2. Think about the location of your holiday events. If you have historically hosted gatherings

for family and friends, consider if this is something you have the capacity to do this year.

Know that it is okay to reduce your workload and ask others to take over hosting.

3. Hold onto memories of your loved one by creating a way to remember them throughout

the season. You could find a special candle to light for them or purchase a special

stocking that can be hung in their memory.

4. If music is an important part of your holiday season, think about the type of music that

you may want to fill your home with during this time. If your loved one enjoyed certain

songs, you may find it comforting to spend time listening to these.

5. Skip or minimize gifts. Material things may seem less important to you as you grieve the

loss of your loved one. Connect with your family and friends about what your preference

is for gift giving this year.

6. Make a donation in your loved one’s memory. This action might be a new tradition you

can begin to keep your loved one in mind each holiday season

7. Ponder how much energy you have to put towards holiday activities such as decorating.

If you do not feel up to decorating the way you have in the past, do not feel guilty about

skipping this activity.

8. Allow space for your emotions. If you have a tendency of hiding your emotions, make

sure you allow yourself time to process whatever is coming up for you throughout the

holidays. This might be through confiding in a close friend or perhaps spending some

time journaling.

9. If you typically find the holidays to be joyful, do not feel guilty if these feelings continue

for you. Grief comes with mixed emotions, so you may experience both sadness and joy.

10. Accept help from others. If you have family and friends who are offering to help you out

throughout this season, accept the help to lessen the load you may be navigating alone.

11. Attend a grief group. Spending time with others navigating their own losses can remind

you that you are not alone in your journey.

12. Consider seeking out the support of a counsellor. Having a space to speak one on one

with someone could be beneficial to your grieving process during the holiday season.

No matter how you choose to spend your holiday season, know that you will be doing your best and that this will be enough.

Submitted by: Walking Through Grief Society

Funded by FCSS, City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Village of Kitscoty, and County of Vermilion River.