The summer holiday season is just around the corner. For most people this is a joyous time, traditionally sharing gifts with those we love and sharing happy times with our families… and eating too much!
However, for some, the holiday season can be daunting.
Each year there are many people who face the holidays for the first time since experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Grief can be a confusing experience and grieving people are often misunderstood because their world has been literally turned upside down. It can show itself in many different emotions and behaviours and is experienced differently by each individual.
In November of each year, Tuckers host a special evening service called ‘Time to Remember’. All are welcome to attend this free event helping people to prepare for Christmas in particular.
For more details about this event visit Time To Remember page.
The Time to Remember service is one way people can spend some time to focus on their memories. During the evening there will be an opportunity to participate by writing a message, lighting a candle and/or releasing a balloon.
Tips for coping with grief during the Christmas Season
Tips for coping with grief during the Christmas Season
- Acknowledge that the coming holiday season will be different, perhaps even challenging
- Make plans, but keep them flexible
- Discuss your plans with other family members in advance
- Decide which traditions you want to keep or those you want to change
- Accept that everyone grieves differently, even within the same family
- Ask for help with the tasks you find daunting
- Prioritise your commitments and allow time for self-care
- Acknowledge your loved one in some way. For example; light a candle, hang a special decoration or raise a toast.
- Allow yourself time to grieve, but also allow yourself to experience times of pleasure and joy
- Monitor your food and alcohol intake, it can be easy to use these for self-comfort
- Donate a gift, or some of your time to a charity – honouring the memory of your loved one.
- Trust your own instincts to know what will be helpful for you