Spending time with loved ones is central to almost every holiday tradition. If you’ve lost someone in the last year, the holidays are a constant reminder of their absence. Depression and isolation are two stages of grief that tend to coincide with the holiday season, as grieving individuals try to shield themselves from experiencing activities they previously found joy in. While it is important to gather with friends and family as you did before, it’s also important to understand your limitations.
It’s important to accept that grief has no specific order or timeline; you may even experience some stages more than once. Finding a balance between processing the expected stages of grief and spending time with others is important. If your grief is recent, you may not feel ready to attend all the celebrations you once did. Pace yourself and give yourself the grace to process your feelings. It’s completely normal to feel anger, sadness, frustration, and a lack of joy in the season.
While it may be painful, take some time to think about the roles your loved one used to fill during the holidays. Then, delegate those roles to someone else ahead of time, so you aren’t caught unprepared in the moment. Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you plan a special way to remember your loved one during the season. Even if you decide not to do it, it’s better to have the option than to let the season pass and regret that you didn’t commemorate them in some way.
There are many meaningful and beautiful ways to honor your loved one:
While you will certainly continue to honor the traditions you shared with your loved one, adding new traditions can help you heal. Work with your friends and family members to develop new traditions that add joy and meaning to your holiday season. Volunteering is a great way to give back during the holiday season, keep yourself busy, and connect with others. Traveling to spend the holidays in new places is always exciting, especially if you have the opportunity to experience the holiday traditions of new cultures.
Some traditions or events may be too painful for you to partake in this year, or for a few years. It’s completely acceptable to opt out of events that you feel will cause you too much pain or sadness. Tell a trusted friend or family member why you’re not going, and consider asking someone to be with you during the time of the event. Above all, remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
Connecting with others who know your pain can be a huge step towards healing. GriefShare.org offers a database to help mourners find local grief recovery and support groups, including both in-person and online events.
Everyone’s journey after losing a loved one is unique and personal. A mental health professional can give you individual attention and advice to help you manage your grief and navigate the road to healing.
If you are local to California or Nevada, consider our bereavement specialists at Medens Health for grief counseling. each out to us by phone or text at (833) 624-5400, send us a message using our online contact form, or to register as a new patient get started here.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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