When the Holidays Feel Heavy: 3 Tips for Navigating Grief
During the holiday season, we’re surrounded by messages of cheer and joy, but for many, this time of year can feel heavy. It often highlights the absence of those we love: the ones no longer with us, the ones we miss deeply, and the ones we wish we could spend just one more day with.
Navigating grief during the holidays can feel overwhelming. While nothing can fill the space left by those we miss, we can still find gentle ways to care for ourselves and cherish the love that lives on within us.
3 Tips for Navigating Grief During the Holidays:
1. Feel Your Feelings
When grief arises, our instinct may be to suppress it. Allow yourself to fully feel these emotions. They are a natural part of the process and nothing to be ashamed of. Acknowledging these feelings can promote healing and help prevent prolonged grief. Some helpful tips:
Identify what you’re feeling
Cry if you need to – it’s a healthy release
Express your feelings through creative outlets
Be gentle with yourself and give yourself grace
Talk to someone you trust
2. Honor Your Loved Ones
Honoring your loved ones during the holidays can bring comfort to yourself while also allowing you to keep their presence alive and include them in your celebrations. Some ways you can honor your loved ones include:
Keep past traditions alive
Setting a place for them at the table
Taking a moment of silence for remembrance
Sharing your favorite memories and stories
Do an activity that reminds you of them
3. Take Care of Your Own Needs
During the holidays, we often get caught up in running around, trying to make time for others, and keeping up with the celebrations. During times of grief, it’s important to give yourself permission to care for your own needs. Remember it’s okay to:
Tend to your own emotional needs
Set boundaries that feel right for you
Ask for help when you need it
Skip a holiday party or event if you’re not feeling up to it
Build extra self-care time into your schedule
If you’re experiencing grief this holiday season, know that you’re not alone. Grief is complex and unique to each person. Taking moments to notice your feelings and offer yourself compassion can bring comfort, and the love that you carry can still be felt, even in loss.
