Dealing with the Holidays After the Death of a Loved One – 3 Practical Steps

1. Manage Traditions Proactively

Often, it’s only after the death of a loved one that you may realize just how much they impacted your holiday activities. Now, you and your family may be at a loss on what exactly to do.

Do you try to reproduce the traditions? Or do you abandon them altogether because they’ll be too painful to experience?

Only you’ll know the right solution for you and your family. However, most people who are grieving find that a nice mix between the two options is often the most comforting.

You may even want to create new traditions, carrying on your loved one’s memory.

Remember, although it may be difficult to carry on old traditions, it’s a way to let your loved one’s legacy live on as well.

2. Allow Yourself to Move Through Grief

We each grieve differently. For some, the holidays may be the most difficult to navigate while others struggle through a regular day.

No matter what you feel or when you feel it, be sure to accept grief in the form it comes to you. Especially if this is the first holiday after the death of a loved one, try not to set limitations or expectations for your emotions. Rather, let them bubble up from within you.

Keep in mind that practicing regular self-care helps you move through grieve in the most productive way. So, make sure to get enough sleep and eat nourishing foods. Take care of yourself, acknowledging emotions when they occur.

Exercise by taking a brisk walk in the chilly weather. This promotes a sort of emotional awakening and helps to bring clarity to what you’re feeling.

3. Remember Your Loved One

As well as traditions surrounding your loved one’s memory, be bold as you reminisce.

Members of your family, friends, and others may not know how to respond to you as you talk about your loved one. Still, give yourself space to share warm memories. And encourage others to do the same.

The death of a loved one tends to bring up uncomfortable emotions that most people shy away from. Yet, expressing these emotions can help you move through your grief. Plus, it can help others who are grieving as well.

Some families light a candle in memory of the loved one. Others, establish a special presentation or ceremony at a family get-together.

Grief doesn’t always come in the form of tears. Rather, it can present itself in many ways such as laughter over a fond memory.

To grieve is to find a way to live without your loved one. Allow yourself to find that way this holiday season. It may not be a Hallmark holiday, but it will be one you remember for the rest of your life.

—

A therapist can support you and help you to navigate those “firsts” in your life after the death of a loved one. Please, reach out to us today or visit here to learn more about how I can help you deal with your grief.