A lot of people have experienced many different types of grief in the past two years. We tend to see grief as only the loss of a loved one but it extends much
further than that. Our grief can be a job loss, a separation from the community (by distance, covid, fear, availability, etc.), a divorce, or the loss of a beloved pet. Given the breadth of losses we can and have experienced the last two years, I think it is natural that our holidays will look a little different. Quite frankly it would be naive of us to go back to the way things were.
Some ideas to make the holidays a little lighter in your time of grief
- Share memories, photos, videos – sharing is connecting
- Pull your chosen people close – families of choice are important
- Be purposeful with your time – try to say yes to the fun and joyful things
- Don’t overextend yourself – say, thank you but no
- Stay active – moving your body, it calms your brain
- Try something new – an event, a new dish, a new game
It’s important to know that grief looks different for everyone and is not linear. So the way you celebrate (or not) the holidays might look different year to year. If you need the day to cry. Then cry. If you know you need to be around your support system. Pull them close.
Ask yourself these questions: How can I best honor this transition, whether it be myself, my family, my lost loved one? Let your needs be your guidepost. What is best for you?
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