We’ve all dealt with loss and grief at some point in time in our lives. It is never easy, especially during the holidays. Mixing the difficulties that already come with grieving with the obligation to celebrate the holidays with family and friends can be confusing or downright heartbreaking.



The problem with grieving during the holidays is that there is no concrete solution to the issues caused by losing a loved one before or during the holiday season. Luckily, you are in control of how you react to the situation. For those looking to take a proactive approach to their healing process, we have compiled a list of tips for grieving during the holidays.

Spend Time with the People who are Sharing your Feelings of Grief

These people will be feeling a lot of the same emotions during the holidays, as they too had a relationship with your loved one. They will be easy to empathize with and relate to, and they will also be appreciative of the company during this difficult time.



With this group, try participating in activities that your deceased loved one would have enjoyed. This will bring up great memories and allow you to honor them in an enjoyable way.

Do Something Kind

It’s been scientifically proven that doing kind acts for others releases endorphins. This could be as simple as helping your neighbor with a task or donating Christmas gifts to a children's hospital. Doing nice things for people can give you an emotional boost that will help you fight through the grieving process.

Don’t Overload Yourself

Grieving will take a toll on your energy levels during the holidays. Make sure that you are not wearing yourself out by making holiday plans with too many people. This year, prioritize the events you will be attending and make sure that you are getting enough rest to handle the chaos that is the holiday season.



Don’t be worried if you must miss the odd holiday party that you may have attended every year. These people will understand that this is a difficult time for you. You should not feel guilty for prioritizing your mental health while you’re in mourning.

Express Your Emotions

Repressing your thoughts and feelings can be harmful to you while you are grieving.  Getting emotional during this time is very normal. Consider expressing your feelings to trusted family and friends. If you do not feel comfortable with this, consider seeking counselling. This is a healthy way of easing any feelings of distress caused by the situation.

Enjoy the Holidays the Way your Loved One Would Have Wanted You To

Perhaps your loved one loved decorating for the holidays or listening to holiday albums. In this case, pay homage to them by enjoying the holidays the way your loved one used to. This can also lead to new honorary holiday traditions in the coming years.

There are many different ways to cope with the loss of a loved one during the holidays, but only you will know what methods work for you. It is very important that you greet this obstacle in your life journey with proactivity and patience. You must keep yourself moving forward while understanding that these things take time.

These tips for grieving during the holidays are just the tip of the iceberg of actions you can take to get yourself through this time. For more advice on how to grieve during the holidays, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are very proud to serve families and help them through these challenging times.