The holidays are times spent with our loved ones.  This has been imprinted on our psyche from a young age.  But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how on earth can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died?   Really, this is true for all forms of grief: death, heartbreak, distance, hardships, loneliness, etc.  

For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving: when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. How can we celebrate togetherness when there is none?

The holidays aren’t always a time for joy, happiness, and togetherness.  For many, they are a time of sadness, loneliness, isolation, and grief.

Some ways to help navigate and cope with grief this holiday season:

Externalize your loss: create a tribute for your loved one, journal, light a candle, mention them in prayer around the holiday table, share your favorite memory of them, create a new tradition to honor them.

Skip the holiday all together:  Its okay to not want to celebrate.  Take the year off.  Do something untraditonal: travel, have a picnic, go for a drive, see a movie, hike…do nothing at all.  

Self care and self love practices: meditation, journaling, movement, limiting time on social media, cancelling plans, and rest. 

Be gentle on yourself:  Allow yourself to feel.  Don’t pretend to be happy or feel guilty for being sad.  

Spend time with the people in your life that bring you peace.  Who offer you love without judgement.  Who are easy to be around.  And who allow you to just be.  

Ask for help and support when you need.

Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your soul.

What ways do you find helpful navigating grief and loss during the holidays?  Comment below.

Wishing you love this holiday season

And I am here to support you.