Lord, We Believe Your Word, which tells us that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Help us make it through the night. Amen.
I don’t know if you have noticed that the newspaper’s obituary section is much larger. There seem to be a lot more people dying this time of the year. My grandmother would say it’s because the year must take its toll. Regardless of the reason, I know that during the holiday season, many of us have to deal with death and grieve the loss of a loved one.
Now, holidays can be challenging when we are grieving. Our culture often sets up unrealistic expectations around the holidays that can rarely be met. Knowing, accepting, and communicating our limitations to ourselves and others during the holidays can be helpful and liberating. Here are a few tips for those of you who are grieving to get you through the holiday season:
1. The anxiety approaching the holiday or holiday season can sometimes be more challenging than the holiday itself.
2. Deep breathing, rest, and drinking plenty of water can help sustain the body during times of stress. The stress of the season can take a toll on our bodies.
3. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotion you need to feel. There is no right or wrong way to handle it, and your feelings may change – sometimes quickly. Realize that experiencing happiness and joy does not mean that you are not grieving or that you no longer love or respect the deceased individual.
4. Remember that everyone grieves differently. Some family members may need to be active, open, and vocal in their grief, while others may need to be quieter, more solemn, or less active.
5. Know that you have choices. Some families like maintaining long-held traditions for comfort, security, and predictability. Others prefer to change the routine and to create new traditions. Sometimes, getting input from relatives can help when deciding what to do on holidays.
6. Clear, open, and honest communication about feelings, needs, and activities can alleviate confusion and help manage expectations.
Thank you for reading an excerpt of Rocky Brown’s article on scoopusamedia.com. To read more of the article, “Dealing with Holiday Grief” please subscribe to Scoop USA Media. Print subscriptions are $75.00 and online subscriptions (Print, Digital and Vizion) are $90. (52 weeks/1 year)
