Dealing with Grief at Christmas Time.
Christmas is usually a time to spend time with friends, family, and other loved ones. However, holidays such as Christmas can also be a time for many to remember those they have lost. Grief is a very personal emotion and will affect everyone differently. For some, the festive period can be incredibly challenging if they have lost somebody in the year and it is the first time celebrating the holiday without them.
At Massey Bros., we know the importance of supporting people through these difficult times. Our branches are there for you to reach out to whenever you need a helping hand. If you have lost a loved one and are unsure how to cope over the holiday season, read our guide below to help deal with grief at Christmas time.
Honour their memory and try new traditions
While it is tough to think about a loved one that has passed over Christmas, it can be a wonderful time to celebrate their memory. It is good to create new traditions such as lighting a candle in their memory or dedicating a special decoration to them, and this will help reinforce the idea that they are gone but not forgotten. As well as honouring your loved one, try to be open to adapting how you celebrate Christmas. You can still cherish their memory without becoming attached to the usual routine you used to have with them. It is nice to create new family traditions and try activities you may not have done before.
Find the right support
One of the most important parts of dealing with grief over Christmas is making sure the right people support you. This might mean surrounding yourself with family so that you have someone to talk to and express how you feel during this difficult time.
You might feel you don’t want to burden your family with how you feel during Christmas and not upset everyone else. But it is essential to talk about how you feel, as the festive season can bring up many feelings you might not have processed yet. This is why visiting a local bereavement group can have such a positive impact. It allows you to process some of the grief you are feeling about losing a loved one with others in similar situations.
Hold a memorial
Many families find comfort in this time by holding a service for their loved ones. A memorial service can give everyone a chance to connect and talk about their feelings. You can visit their grave or a favourite spot and discuss the happy good memories with them. For those who have recently lost a loved one, it can feel too difficult to celebrate Christmas at all. In these cases, there is nothing wrong with taking a year off. Taking a year off gives you extra time to grieve and can help to ease the pressure. Even if you are not celebrating Christmas, it is still nice to bring the family together to remember your loved one.
At Massey Bros. we are committed to ensuring everyone has the support they need over the festive break if they are coping with bereavement. If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one this Christmas and are looking for bereavement support, please contact us. We can put you in touch with the relevant local bereavement groups and community events near you.
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