Grieving Through the Holidays?

5 Tips to Help You Manage
Dr. Ann Letourneau, CSJ

Most of us have figured out that there is no such thing as a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving or Christmas. The picture-perfect, happy family, sitting down together at a beautifully set table with a feast cooked to perfection just does not exist.

This is never truer than the first years after a loved one has died. For many grieving people, it is hard to imagine celebrating a single day, let alone a whole season.

If that describes you, here are a couple of ways to navigate the holidays:

1.   Decide how you want to mark the season.  Families tend to have traditions for celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. With someone missing, these traditions may feel impossible to face or may have even lost the meaning they once had. It can help to make a conscious choice of how you want to celebrate this year and then communicate that decision to the family and friends it will impact. Rather than gathering for a whole day of people and feasting, you may want to come just for dessert. If you usually go all out for decorations, try keeping it simple with just a few selected favorites instead. The important thing is you decide what feels right.

2.   Find the right balance between solitude and family/friend time.  As you think about what you want and need to do during the holidays you may be drawn to spending the time alone. Remember we also need the love and support of others. The trick is to find the balance that will be good for you.  You always have the right to change your mind if what you planned is too much alone time or too much social time. Give yourself permission to change your original plan if need be. (Just keep in mind that others may need your love and support, too.)

4.  Be mindful of where you are today.  Grief is a multifaceted emotion. Not only does grief express itself differently throughout the mourning process, but it is also different from person to person. Remember there is no “right” way to grieve. Be present and mindful of where you are and allow others to be where they are. 

5.  Let the next holiday unfold naturally.  Just because you choose to experience the holidays one way this year, does not mean this way becomes the new tradition. Make decisions for 2018 and live into what you need for the holiday season of 2019.

About the Author…

Dr. Letourneau, CSJ, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Central DuPage Pastoral Counseling Center.  She is interested in helping people find unity and peace within themselves and their relationships. She often leads mindfulness workshops and speaks on a variety of topics. She also co-faciliatates a monthly caregivers group.  Read more about Dr. Letourneau…