Hey there! Darcey from Lasting Eulogies here.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Feelings of joy and excitement that normally accompany the holidays can quickly turn to sadness when we are faced with the reminder of our loved one being gone. Grief can be complicated and it is important to remember that each person's experience is unique. With that in mind, here are three tips to help people cope with their grief over the holidays.
1. Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Many people attempt to push aside or ignore their feelings of sadness during the holidays. While it is understandable to want to show a brave face for those around us, it is important to take the time to sit with and acknowledge our own feelings. Doing this allows us to be honest with ourselves and to find a healthier way to cope with our emotions. One way to help with this is to keep a journal where you can write down your thoughts or draw pictures that capture your sadness.
2. Find meaningful ways to remember your loved one. During the holidays we can feel especially alone when we don't have our loved one to share the experience. A great way to help with this is to find meaningful ways to honor their memory. This can include things such as creating a special ornament in their honor or volunteering at a charity in their name. These activities can be therapeutic and help us to remember the special times that we shared.
3. Connect with others who understand. It can be comforting to seek out others who can relate to what you are going through. Look for support groups that deal with grief and loss and consider attending one or more of their meetings. Talking with people who have gone through a similar experience can help to lessen your sense of isolation and provide comfort. You may also want to reach out to close family and friends who will support you and provide a listening ear during this difficult time.
These are just three tips that can help those who are facing grief during the holidays. Remember to take care of yourself during this time and to be patient with yourself. It may take some time to find the right coping strategies that work for you, but don't give up. Everyone grieves differently and it is important to understand that by honoring your own journey, you can eventually begin to heal.