Navigating Grief During Holidays...Some Thoughts

The holiday season is often a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet for those coping with grief and loss, this time of year can feel heavy, isolating, and overwhelming. The traditions, gatherings, and reminders of loved ones who are no longer here can stir up deep emotions, making it difficult to engage in the festivities around us.

Why the Holidays Can Be Hard

• Memories feel sharper: Holiday rituals can highlight the absence of someone we love.

• Social pressure: The expectation to be cheerful can make grief feel invisible or misunderstood.

• Loneliness: Even in a room full of people, grief can create a sense of disconnection.

Practicing Self-Care and Compassion

• Give yourself permission: It’s okay to step back from traditions or create new ones.

• Set boundaries: Say yes to what feels manageable, and allow yourself to say no as needed without guilt.

• Honor your loved one: Light a candle, share a story, make a favorite food...or create a small ritual to keep their memory present.

• Lean on support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can hold space for your feelings.

• Offer yourself kindness: Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d extend to a grieving friend.

  
  

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Allow yourself to move at your own pace, to feel what you feel, and to care for yourself. Compassion—toward yourself and others—can be the most meaningful gift you give.