The holidays can be a magical time, but when you’ve lost a loved one, they might feel anything but joyful. You may find yourself overwhelmed by grief and loss, missing the person who used to sit at the dinner table or share in your holiday traditions. Everywhere you look, other families seem happy, and that contrast can deepen the sorrow. It’s completely normal to feel the pain of grief during this time, and it’s a reminder of just how much your loved one meant to you.
In this blog post, you’ll find ways to cope with the grief, little by little, especially as the holidays approach. These suggestions are meant to guide you through this hard time, helping you honor the special one you’ve lost and find some comfort along the way.
Start a New Tradition to Honor Them
A death of a loved one or a close friend doesn’t mean you stop celebrating their life. Starting a new tradition is a beautiful way to keep them close, even though they’re no longer physically here. It gives you something to focus on during the holiday season and ensures the person who died stays part of your celebrations in a meaningful way. For instance, you might light a special candle for them, cook their favorite dish, or hang an ornament in their honor.
It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture because something simple and personal is just as meaningful. If they love baking, get the family together to bake their go-to recipe. When you start thinking about ways to honor them, the pain of grief can transform into a way to celebrate their memory rather than being defined solely by their absence.
Share Stories with Loved Ones
Talking about your loved one might feel painful at first, but sharing stories is actually one of the most healing things you can do. When you talk about them with friends and family, you bring their presence into the room. You might find yourself laughing over their quirks or shedding a tear over a memory. When you express your feelings with others, also a reminder that you’re not alone in your grief, as others miss them, too.
Perhaps over dinner, ask your family members to share one favorite memory of the person. These moments reconnect everyone to the love you shared and make the grieving process feel a little less lonely. Listening to the stories from others might even give you a fresh perspective on how special they were to everyone.
Pay It Forward to Other People
A beautiful way to cope with that feeling is to pay it forward and help others. Doing something kind for a stranger, volunteering, or donating to a favorite charity can be incredibly grounding. When you spend time paying it forward, it can be a reminder that while loss is a part of life, love and kindness continue to flow.
For example, if the person who died loved animals, volunteering at a rescue shelter in their honor can feel like you’re channeling their spirit. Or, if they were kind to neighbors, you might start spreading their warmth in your own neighborhood. By extending kindness to others, you’re showing that even after loss, you still have so much to give.
Consider Seeking Professional Treatment
Sometimes, the grief feels too much to bear on your own. If you find that you’re unable to function or you’re stuck in one of the stages of grief for longer than you’re comfortable with, seeking professional help can make a world of difference. Talking face to face with a therapist or counselor who specializes in depression, grief, and loss can help you process your emotions in a safe space. You don’t have to do this alone, and seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness.
You might also consider joining a support group. Connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can offer comfort, validation, and understanding that friends and family may not completely grasp. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one navigating this tough road. Therapy or group support can teach you how to talk to terms with your loss and find coping mechanisms that work for your unique situation. If nothing else, it ensures you’re supported as you take steps toward rebuilding your mental health.
If you are dealing with depression, grief, trauma, or other mental health challenges, contact Story Wellness today. Our Orange County Treatment programs can help you heal.
