Coping With the Holidays When Experiencing Grief

Now that the holiday season is in full swing, it’s important to recognize that there are many who may not feel particularly festive. After losing a loved one, it can be hard to imagine entering the holiday season when there is someone missing. BAYADA Hospice Psychosocial Manager Molly Bull, MSW, offers the following tips:

• Know that it’s ok to do things differently. Some people may find comfort in following family traditions. Others may find the thought of following those traditions without their loved one too painful. Both approaches are completely valid. Since different family members may fall into different categories, it’s important to have open communication and be respectful of each other’s points of view during this time of difficulty and transition.

• Have a plan. Difficult situations can be made more challenging when they catch you off-guard. Even though it still will not be easy, if you know what to expect, you have the opportunity to prepare emotionally. Once you have made a decision, do not create emotional unrest by second-guessing yourself.

• Ask for help. There are people who want to support you but don’t know what you need. Here are some situations where you can provide concrete ways for friends to step in:
• You want to have a tree, but need someone else to be the one to decorate it.
• You could use another set of hands to help bake cookies with the kids.
• You have decided to make a dish, or possibly the main meal, for the holiday dinner, but would prefer someone else deal with the crowds at the grocery store.
• Determine what is:
  • Needed to be done.
  • Nice to do.
  • Nuts to do.
    
    For example, you need to eat dinner; it would be nice to have dinner at a family member’s house; it would be nuts to host a five course meal for 30 people. Focus on the “need to do” and if you feel comfortable, sprinkle in a few things that are “nice to do.” Do not attempt the “nuts to do.”
• Take care of yourself. You will need your rest to help you cope with the physically and emotionally draining times. Your body and mind can also function better through exercising and eating a balanced diet.

Learn more about hospice care.

We understand how difficult the holidays can be when you’re experiencing them without the ones you love. What are some ways you’ve dealt with this type of change during the holiday season.