Navigating Holiday Grief: 30 Practical Strategies
Grief is a familiar companion for me. If you're curious about my journey, I co-authored a book called "Just Say No!" which holds a piece of my testimony. It's a blessing, and I'm also a Certified Grief Specialist with experience in Hospice Care and Grief Counseling since 2011. I have also written a book/workbook that you can find HERE entitled Grief & Faith: The Light at the End of the Tunnel to help you navigate your grief journey.
Today, I'd like to offer 30 Ways to Navigate Holiday Grief. These strategies are concise and have been beneficial for many of my past clients. Feel free to choose what resonates with you. If some of these activities evoke sadness or overwhelm, consider seeking support from a Grief Counselor, like myself, or a Counselor in your locality.
1. Recognize that the holidays will be different, and that's okay.
2. Decide which cherished traditions you'd like to uphold.
3. Determine which traditions you'd like to modify.
4. Create a new tradition in honor of your loved one's memory.
5. Reflect on where you'd like to spend the holidays – whether keeping it the same or trying a new location, make a conscious choice.
6. Understand that everyone grieves differently, and that's perfectly normal.
7. Acknowledge that others may have different ideas about how to spend the holiday, and that's okay too.
8. Set up a 'memory stocking' or a special place for sharing cherished memories, and choose a time to read them together.
9. Light a candle at home in loving memory of your departed loved one.
10. Be candid about what you do and don't want to do during the holidays.
11. Make a charitable donation in your loved one's name to a cause they held dear.
12. Purchase a gift you would have given to your loved one and donate it to a local charity.
13. Consider adopting a family in memory of your loved one through a church, Salvation Army, or goodwill.
14. If you've been postponing it, consider seeing a counselor. The holidays can be particularly challenging, and talking to someone may be very beneficial.
15. Select a few special items that belonged to your loved one and gift them to friends or family who will treasure them.
16. Create a memorial ornament, wreath, or decoration in tribute to your loved one.
17. If parting with your loved one's clothing has been difficult, use the holidays as an opportunity to donate some items to a homeless shelter or charity.
18. Send a holiday card to friends of your loved one whom you regret losing touch with, only if it feels right.
19. Visit your loved one's gravesite and leave a heartfelt holiday tribute like a wreath, poinsettia, or grave blanket.
20. Play your loved one's favorite holiday music to honor their memory.
21. Journal on especially tough days to process your emotions.
22. It's okay to skip holiday events if you're feeling overwhelmed.
23. Don't feel guilty about opting out of events if you're experiencing holiday overload.
24. Ensure an exit strategy when attending holiday gatherings, so you can leave if it becomes too much.
25. Take time on the holiday to revisit old photo albums and reflect on cherished memories.
26. Talk to kids about the holidays, explaining that it's okay to feel both happiness and sadness after a loss.
27. Remember, it's okay to cry. The holidays can stir up emotions, and that's perfectly natural.
28. Trust yourself and your instincts. Listen to your own needs rather than what others think you "should" do for the holiday.
29. Don't hesitate to ask for help. If support isn't offered, seek it out. Whether it's cooking, shopping, or decorating, accepting assistance can be a significant relief.
30. Lastly, I strongly recommend inviting God into your pain as the first step. Allow Him to comfort you in your grief. You can also find a devotional on grieving through the You Version Bible App.
Share in the comments below what resonated with you or any coping strategies you've found helpful during the holidays.
