It’s officially the holiday season. Halloween has passed, and now it’s time to prepare for the next few holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas. While the holidays are one of my favorite times of the year, it’s also a hard time for me. Grief is a frequent visitor of mine, especially during the holidays, and I know I’m not the only one with that reality.
Here are a few things that have helped me during the previous holiday seasons.
- Keep up with the traditions
-
I know it may be tough to keep up with the traditions you used to do with loved ones who have passed, but it is so worth it because it helps keep the memories of them alive. So this year, have a Thanksgiving dinner with your friends and family, put up a Christmas tree, see some Christmas lights, or watch your favorite Christmas movies. Festive activities have always been beneficial towards dealing with the pain of my dad not being here for the holidays.
- Do something for yourself
-
During this time of the year, doing something for yourself is important. That may mean buying yourself something, going out with friends or even having a quiet night inside. It can be vital to take some time for yourself and a break from everything around you. Maybe, you can take a trip you’ve wanted to take for a while now.
- let it all out
-
I know how distressing experiencing grief through the holidays can become and how much it can take out of you. It’s important to remember that it does not help to bottle up your emotions. During this trying time, remember that it’s OK to cry or scream. Everyone needs a healthy outlet during this time of the year. You can even call a friend and tell them how you are feeling. Having someone to talk to about these things is always nice.
- Change things up a bit
-
I know that I said to keep up with the traditions, but it’s also OK to include change. Making new traditions can help bring joy back to the holidays. For example, instead of bringing home a huge Christmas tree, put up a small one and change the way you decorate it. You could also change where you go to see Christmas lights or where you go for Thanksgiving dinner. Do what is best for you this holiday season.
Here are a few of my favorite holiday traditions:
- Listening to Christmas music
- Putting up my holiday decorations
- Decorating the tree with my family
- Eating Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner together
- Making Christmas cookies
- Just being around my friends and family
If you are struggling this holiday season, know you are never alone. You are loved and many people are out there to help you during this difficult time.