Surviving Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season brings both a time of celebration of the present and a time of remembrance of past holidays. Managing these mixed emotions is necessary to navigate successfully through the season. Here are some suggestions for managing your feelings if you are grieving during this season:
If you have lost a loved one in the past year develop new traditions for the season, at least for this year.
Recognize you do not have to be alone. You can invite someone to a meal, go to a movie, go to a community or religious event. Choose to spend some time around others.
Seek grief counseling.
Memorialize your loved one. Donate to their favorite charity.
Consider designating a time during a holiday get together to allow folks to share a happy memory of the loved one.
Allow yourself time to grieve.
Nurture yourself through the season—take a nap, read a book, buy yourself a gift, take a day trip, ask for help.
Pace yourself –take the holiday season one day at a time, one event at a time, allow yourself to do only the best you can in that moment.
