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![Laurie Poole, MS, LPC](https://themontfortgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/24_07_19_tmg_laurie0002-150x150.jpeg)
Six Tips for Managing Grief During the Holidays
back to all Grief is difficult at any time of the year but none more so than over the holidays. Have you lost a loved
Grief is difficult at any time of the year but none more so than over the holidays. Have you lost a loved one, a relationship, a job or suffered another kind of loss this holiday season? These can amplify it even more. Bombarded with advertising messages of family gatherings and ho ho ho-ing, the pressure to be happy, to look happy and to put painful memories aside can be just too much.
Two years ago, my children’s father died five days before Christmas. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was determined to make it through the holidays spending as much time as he could with family. Sadly, he didn’t make it and we found ourselves staring at the Christmas tree on December 25th – feeling lost in our grief on a day he loved to celebrate. Always a planner, Ross had organized and wrapped gifts for all of us. It was surreal to see them placed under the tree knowing he wasn’t with us; making the pain of his loss even greater.
While there is no magic formula for navigating grief and loss, one thing I know for sure, avoiding those emotions doesn’t make it easier. There may be temporary relief in distractions but in my experience leaning into the sadness is a healthier way to heal.
Trust that grief is a normal response to loss, whatever it may be. There are no shortcuts or detours. Working through it is a process over time.
back to all Grief is difficult at any time of the year but none more so than over the holidays. Have you lost a loved
What matters is that you remember the most important support task is to make a grieving friend feel heard, validated, and cared for.
There is a tremendous amount of pressure to be “happy” at holiday time, to revel in the joy of the season when truth be told, it’s not much fun for many folks.
Two years ago, my children’s father died five days before Christmas. Diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was determined to make it through the holidays spending as much time as he could with family. Sadly, he didn’t make it and we found ourselves staring at the Christmas tree on December 25th – feeling lost in our grief on a day he loved to celebrate. Always a planner, Ross had organized and wrapped gifts for all of us. It was surreal to see them placed under the tree knowing he wasn’t with us; making the pain of his loss even greater.
Grief is difficult at any time of the year but none more so than over the holidays. Have you lost a loved one, a relationship, a job or suffered another kind of loss this holiday season? These can amplify it even more. Bombarded with advertising messages of family gatherings and ho ho ho-ing, the pressure to be happy, to look happy and to put painful memories aside can be just too much.
While there is no magic formula for navigating grief and loss, one thing I know for sure, avoiding those emotions doesn’t make it easier. There may be temporary relief in distractions but in my experience leaning into the sadness is a healthier way to heal.