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.
While the holidays are happy times for many families, they can also present opportunities for tension and conflict. The annoying sibling, the relative who drinks
As a mother, it was painful to witness my children’s deep grief. I felt helpless but knew they had to find their way. No amount of effort could make up for how much they missed their dad and I felt lost in my attempts to navigate parenting by myself.
Traditions wield the power to instill structure, foster connections, and offer stability, all of which can positively impact our mental well-being.
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.
