Navigating Grief During the Holidays

If you’re having a hard time feeling cheerful this time of year, we have three tips and strategies for facing the coming weeks with a sense of calm, purpose, and perhaps even a bit more joy. 

Surround Yourself with People Who Support You

It might be hard to admit, but friends and strangers may be more comforting to you right now than family. Whether you find solace in friends or a person you recently met in a support group, make the decision to spend more time with people who make you happy. It’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize your well-being.

Allow Yourself to Feel All the Feels

Give yourself permission to experience sadness, anger, confusion, even moments of happiness without guilt or judgment. The “most wonderful time of year” surely doesn’t always feel so wonderful. Grief doesn't adhere to a schedule. If you embrace the unpredictability of grief, you may feel more in control, and by extension, more open to embracing moments of pleasure.

Find Comfort in Volunteering

Consider participating in food and toy drives. Plan a lunch date with a neighbor who needs a little extra support. Helping others has plenty of unexpected and uplifting upsides – it reduces stress, lowers rates of depression, and boosts overall well-being. 

If you want more ideas on navigating grief during the holidays, we encourage you to watch our latest Passed and Present event on this topic with grief professionals and authors Charlene Lam, Dr. Jason Troyer, and Hope Edelman. You can watch the recording here. And please share your ideas in the For Grief Facebook Community. We’d love to see you there!