At Stillinger Family Funeral Home, we know that grieving is difficult at any time of the year; but dealing with grief during the holidays can be especially tough. In particular, the first holiday season after the loss of a loved one can be devastating. And although each of us handles grief differently and in very personal ways, here are 15 tips for dealing with grief during the holidays that might help you cope:
- Acknowledge your grief. Don’t try to pretend nothing has changed.
- Don’t feel guilty if you feel joy – even in small moments. Your loved one wouldn’t want you to be completely joyless during the holidays.
- Don’t overdo it. The holidays can be exhausting. So can grieving. Combined, the stress can become overwhelming. Give yourself permission to do less.
- Understand that other family members will be grieving, too. Let them know it’s okay to be sad and grieve in a way that helps them heal.
- Light a candle in honor of your loved one.
- Cry if you need to. Anytime. Anywhere.
- Donate to a favorite charity in the name of your loved one. Giving can be healing.
- When gifting to others, consider giving items that were of special importance to your loved one.
- Look for things to be thankful for. Chances are you won’t have to look far, and this sense of gratitude can help you find small measures of joy.
- Shop online. Malls can be maddening.
- Ask for help when you need it. (And say yes to help when it is offered even if you didn’t ask.)
- Buy yourself a gift. You deserve it, and your loved one would want you to have something that brings you joy.
- Make time for yourself to do something that’s makes you happy. Because of your grief, it might still carry a tinge of sadness, but chances are you will find solace in the distraction.
- Try to stay in the present. Be hyper-aware of your surroundings. Focus on the sights, sounds, and smells surrounding you. This will help you keep from drifting to your feelings of loss.
- Seek counseling or attend a grief group if necessary. It can be helpful to understand you are not alone.
Grieving is a part of the healing process after the loss of a loved one. At Stillinger Family Funeral Home, we understand that each person’s journey through the grieving process is unique, but that grieving during the holidays is especially tough. We hope these tips for dealing with grief during the holidays can help make your journey a little easier.
To learn more about Stillinger Family Funeral Home and our many services helping families when a loved one passes, contact us at (317) 462-5536.
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