Grief and Holidays: Navigating Special Days After Loss
Holidays can be particularly painful after a loss. Special days that were once full of joy and connection may now be filled with sadness and reminders of absence. It’s important to approach these days with flexibility and self-compassion.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Planning ahead can help reduce stress and anxiety around holidays. Decide what feels best for you—whether that’s staying home, engaging in a tradition, or doing something entirely different to honor your loved one.
Ideas for coping with holidays:
Set boundaries—decide what events you want to attend and which ones may be too overwhelming.
Create new traditions that honor the person you lost.
Spend time with others who are also grieving, if possible.
Example:
After losing her mother, Emily decided to spend Christmas at home, focusing on quiet activities with her close family. They lit a candle in her mother’s honor and shared stories, creating a space for grief and love to coexist.