The holiday season, often filled with celebration and cheer, can also be a challenging time for those dealing with grief and loss. The pain can feel more poignant when all around you is festive joy. This Senior Helpers blog post is designed to acknowledge your feelings and provide you with some practical tools to navigate through this difficult period. We understand that grief, while deeply personal, is a universal experience, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our goal is to help make your season a little brighter despite the pain of loss.
Understanding Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season may become a harsh reminder of a loved one's absence. It is a time when we are “supposed” to be happy, but for many, it can magnify the sense of loss. From certain traditions that you used to enjoy together to the simple lack of their physical presence, everything can seem to further accentuate their absence. This can lead to intensified feelings of grief. It is important to acknowledge that it is okay to feel this mix of emotions. Experiencing sorrow during the happiest time of the year is not unusual but part of the healing process.
Coping Strategies for Dealing With Grief and Loss
Having coping strategies at our disposal can provide a lifeline as we navigate these feelings through the holiday season. Here are a few things you can do:
1. Reach Out for Support
One of the most effective ways to cope with grief during the holidays is by reaching out for support. Conversing with people who understand your feelings can provide immeasurable relief. It can resurrect a sense of belonging and dissipate the feeling of isolation that often accompanies grief. This might mean calling a close friend, joining a support group online or in person, or simply sharing your thoughts and feelings with a family member. Sometimes, the act of verbalizing your emotions can make them seem less overwhelming.
2. Start New Traditions
The holiday season is deeply associated with traditions and customs that bring us comfort and joy. But when those traditions are linked to loved ones we have lost, they can amplify our feelings of grief. One way to manage this is by starting new traditions. This is not about forgetting your loved ones or the traditions you shared but about finding new ways to commemorate the holidays that also encourage healing. Maybe it could be volunteering at a local charity, adopting a pet, or taking up a new hobby. The goal is to build a sense of anticipation and positivity around the holidays while still honoring your loved ones.
3. Keep Memories Alive
Part of healing from a loss is finding ways to keep your loved ones' memories alive. Incorporating special remembrances during the holiday season can provide comfort and a sense of closeness. This could involve lighting a candle in their honor or setting a place for them at the dinner table. Sharing stories about them with others can be a beautiful way to keep their spirit alive. Creating a memory book or a photo album can also serve as a tangible tribute to their lives. By doing these things, you are celebrating their life and the time you spent together.
Senior Helpers Offers Support During the Holidays
Senior Helpers provides compassionate in-home senior care services customized to meet the specific needs of our community's seniors and their families. If you live in the Urbandale, Ames, Des Moines, or Boone areas, contact us anytime at Senior Helpers Central Iowa. We can help you navigate through your feelings of grief towards a pathway of peace and comfort.