Coping with Grief Over the Holidays

The annual holidays can be a very tough time if you have lost a loved one. Memories of happy times and bonding tend to surface during the holiday season. This may become a stronger reminder of your loss. When you see other people enjoying the festivities, it becomes even more painful to deal with those memories.

Negative thoughts crowd your mind and you have to look for support and plan activities that can help you cope with your emotions of grief, and sorrow. Here are some ways to cope with your grief during the holidays.

Visit The Gravesite

Visiting the gravesite is like meeting the deceased in a silent way. In that serene environment you experience the presence of the loved one. When you beautify the gravesite by laying a wreath or flowers, your senses will feel the peace and healing touch. A calmer you will return home ready to be present at the festivities.

A Memory Table

When memories swell it is better to express them and a memory table will do that. Bring out favorite things, books etc. that the departed person treasured. Arrange them beautifully on a table so visitors can see them easily. Ask visitors to contribute some memorable things. The very idea of remembering the departed in this way will help you recover from the grief.

A New Tradition

Holidays are a time for following family traditions. But when in grief you may feel like doing away with some tradition that is painful. You can always create a new tradition in memory of your loved one. It could be anything that expresses your fondness for the departed like cooking a favorite dish, playing a new song, designing a memory tree.

The holidays are symbolic of bringing in joy and sharing and your participation can positively impact your moods and dissipate grief. Do you have any tips for coping with grief during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments below.

If you want to know more about our funeral services, call us at (203) 348-0443, or reach out through our contact us form. Our caring staff at Nutmeg State Cremation Society is here to help in any way we can.