Navigating Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season is described with glittering lights, joyous music, and family gatherings. However, for some who have lost a loved one, it can mean an empty place at the table and intense memories. Holiday traditions, focusing on family and togetherness, can make it extra difficult for anybody who has lost a loved one. Finding meaningful ways to remember memories, having genuine conversations, recognizing the impact of grief, and developing useful coping methods may help people grieving to reduce stress and thrive.
Please consider the following suggestions to create new traditions while honoring the past:
Be Flexible with Celebrations. Try different sites. Change conventional time. Include different people.
Set Healthy Boundaries. Communicate with family and friends. Take space as needed, being open about your emotional capacity.
Look for Different Ways to Celebrate the Season. Give back to the Community. Try new activities and offer unique experiences for yourself and your family.
Communicate to Support Systems. Share a message like, “Please still invite us to the holiday party, but please don't be offended if we can't make it" or “We’ll have to play it by ear this year.”
Here are some other ideas for new traditions as you navigate grief:
Host a Post-Holiday Potluck: Invite friends and family to bring their favorite holiday leftovers or new recipes to share. This may be an enjoyable opportunity to explore new dishes and enjoy each other's company.
Create a scrapbook with photographs, notes, and souvenirs from the holiday season as a family tradition. Each year, you may add new pages and talk about previous celebrations.
Volunteer together. Find a local charity or community service initiative in which your group can participate. Giving back may be a meaningful way to connect and share joy beyond the holidays.
Seasonal Hike or Walk: Pick a beautiful path or park to visit each year after the holidays. This is an excellent opportunity to appreciate nature and get some fresh air while thinking about the previous year.
Game Night: Host a game night for family and friends. You may play board games, or card games, or even build a quiz based on holiday events and experiences.
Crafting Day: Set aside a day for making crafts, whether it’s holiday decorations for next year, homemade gifts, or fun DIY projects.
Most significantly, be mindful that there is no "right way" to deal with holidays while mourning. Grief is tough and looks different for everyone.
If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling please call or text 988, the National Suicide Hotline. You are not Alone!
Written By: Cassandra Stroop, LSW
Senior Specialist, Community Engagement - Adapt For Life Program
Resources for Grief
Contact - Companions on a Journey
Emotions and Grieving - Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Psychiatric Intake Response Center | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry