Coping with Grief During the Holidays: 4 Comforting Tips
The holidays can be a bittersweet time. For many, they bring joy and connection, but for others, they trigger grief, stress, and feelings of loss. Whether it’s the memory of a loved one no longer with us, the pressure to maintain family traditions or the weight of unresolved family dynamics, this season often amplifies emotions we’ve been trying to keep at bay.
You might find yourself walking into a holiday dinner feeling both hopeful and heavy—seeing the empty chair where your loved one once sat or hearing comments that stir old wounds. These moments can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to navigate them with grace and care for yourself.
Here are four comforting tips to help you cope with grief, especially during the holiday season:
1. Understand That Grieving is a Process
Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and it looks different for everyone. You may feel sadness one day, anger the next, and nostalgia the day after that. Allow yourself to honor your feelings as they come.
Practical Tip: Start your morning by asking, “What do I need today to feel grounded?” This might be alone time, a connection with a friend, or a moment of quiet reflection.
Holiday Adaptation: If certain traditions feel too heavy to maintain this year, it's okay to create new ones that honor your current emotional capacity.
2. Don’t Bottle Up Your Feelings—Find Healthy Ways to Express Them
The holidays often involve the expectation of " putting on a happy face,” but suppressing emotions only intensifies them. Instead, look for constructive outlets to process your feelings.
Practical Tip: Before attending a family gathering, write down your emotions in a journal. Write a letter to your loved one or simply reflect on your feelings that day. Name it to tame it.
Holiday Adaptation: Set boundaries with loved ones. If you feel overwhelmed, let them know you may need to step away for a moment or skip certain events altogether.
3. Take Care of Yourself Physically and Emotionally
Grief impacts both mind and body. The holiday hustle can make it even harder to prioritize self-care, but finding moments for rest and nourishment is essential.
Practical Tip: Create a “holiday self-care menu” with small, actionable items like a walk in nature, a warm cup of tea, or a favorite podcast. When things get overwhelming, choose one to reset.
Holiday Adaptation: Remember, it’s okay to say no. Whether it’s declining an invitation or skipping the gift exchange, protecting your energy is not selfish—it’s necessary.
4. Cherish the Good Times
The memories of your loved one don’t have to be a source of pain—they can also bring comfort and joy. Take time to celebrate the impact they’ve had on your life.
Practical Tip: Share a story about your loved one at the dinner table. You’ll be surprised how others light up, adding their own stories and laughter to the memory.
Holiday Adaptation: Light a candle in their honor or play a favorite song of theirs to keep their presence alive in the celebrations.
The holidays are tough. They have a way of surprising us—whether it’s a sudden wave of sadness, a dip in energy, or the pressure to keep up with endless expectations. It’s easy to feel like you should be able to do it all, but the truth is, you don’t have to. This season, give yourself permission to step away from the hustle. Focus on what truly brings you joy or cherish the memories of the loved ones you’re grieving. And remember, it’s okay to say “no” to anything that doesn’t align with your heart or peace. Take care of you—you’re worth it.
Stronger together,
Carrie
