Dec 13, 2022 Reporting from Niles, MI
Dec 13, 2022
Dec 13, 2022
Holidays and Grief
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Holidays and Grief
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Grieving is a painful and difficult process no matter what time of year it is. However, as the holidays approach it can become even more difficult.
There is something about holiday traditions that can trigger intense feelings of grief when you notice your loved one is not there, sometimes even years after their death. And that's okay.
Grief isn’t always easy to manage. Maybe you have found yourself changing some of those traditions. Or you've stopped doing certain things all together. Surround yourself with understanding, supportive friends or family members. You may also decide to spend the day alone. There is no one “right way” to grieve.
Here are a few thoughts and ideas that may help you this holiday season.
Don’t feel guilty if you have moments of joy or laughter!
Sometimes the hardest parts about grieving are those unexpected moments of guilt when you find yourself enjoying a moment or having a good laugh! Watching family open a gift or watching your favorite holiday movie can bring on happiness and that’s ok! It doesn’t mean that you miss your person any less.
Implement new traditions
Some people have set aside a few minutes for each person gathered to speak about the person who died or to light a candle in their honor. It’s also a nice idea to create a memorial item or decoration.
Remember to take care of yourself
The holiday season can be a very busy time of year, and your schedule is most likely to be disrupted with cooking, baking, gathering all your supplies, and wrapping gifts. Taking care of yourself and your emotional needs can fall by the wayside. You may find the holidays to be physically and emotionally exhausting. Maybe a nice hot bath, or some hot spiced apple cider could be a way for you to relax and have some time to yourself.
Remember, give yourself the space you need as you navigate this holiday season. Set limits on gatherings with family and friends, give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel, take breaks, take extra care of yourself, and seek out the support you need.
If you are grieving a death and think a support group might be for you, please contact us at 269.983.2707. We’re always here and available to listen. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for online support and inspiration, and you can always find us at
lorysplace.org. Don't forget to subscribe to receive content monthly.
Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and joy,
The Lory’s Place Team
Holidays and Grief
by
Lory's Place
|
Dec 13, 2022
Grieving is a painful and difficult process no matter what time of year it is. However, as the holidays approach it can become even more difficult.
There is something about holiday traditions that can trigger intense feelings of grief when you notice your loved one is not there, sometimes even years after their death. And that's okay.
Grief isn’t always easy to manage. Maybe you have found yourself changing some of those traditions. Or you've stopped doing certain things all together. Surround yourself with understanding, supportive friends or family members. You may also decide to spend the day alone. There is no one “right way” to grieve.
Here are a few thoughts and ideas that may help you this holiday season.
Don’t feel guilty if you have moments of joy or laughter!
Sometimes the hardest parts about grieving are those unexpected moments of guilt when you find yourself enjoying a moment or having a good laugh! Watching family open a gift or watching your favorite holiday movie can bring on happiness and that’s ok! It doesn’t mean that you miss your person any less.
Implement new traditions
Some people have set aside a few minutes for each person gathered to speak about the person who died or to light a candle in their honor. It’s also a nice idea to create a memorial item or decoration.
Remember to take care of yourself
The holiday season can be a very busy time of year, and your schedule is most likely to be disrupted with cooking, baking, gathering all your supplies, and wrapping gifts. Taking care of yourself and your emotional needs can fall by the wayside. You may find the holidays to be physically and emotionally exhausting. Maybe a nice hot bath, or some hot spiced apple cider could be a way for you to relax and have some time to yourself.
Remember, give yourself the space you need as you navigate this holiday season. Set limits on gatherings with family and friends, give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel, take breaks, take extra care of yourself, and seek out the support you need.
If you are grieving a death and think a support group might be for you, please contact us at 269.983.2707. We’re always here and available to listen. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for online support and inspiration, and you can always find us at
lorysplace.org. Don't forget to subscribe to receive content monthly.
Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and joy,
The Lory’s Place Team