For All Seasons Offers Tips for Grief During the Holidays

The holidays can be challenging for many, but for those grieving loved ones, they can be especially difficult. This may be because the season often comes with expectations of joy, or because holiday traditions once shared with someone now gone can bring a renewed sense of loss.

Mass General Brigham (https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/) reports that grief is the mirror of love and that the holidays are naturally centered around love and connection. Making room for all the emotions that arise during this time, rather than avoiding them, helps us integrate grief into our lives and move through the season with greater compassion for ourselves.

Dealing with Grief
Grief is personal, complicated, and unique to each individual. Some helpful ways to cope with grief during the holidays include (https://grief.com/grief-the-holidays/):

Setting boundaries for holiday events
Having both a Plan A and a Plan B
Choosing a low-key holiday or opting out of celebrations if needed
Allowing yourself to feel and acknowledge grief-related emotions
Anticipating potential triggers
Honoring old traditions and memories
Creating new traditions or celebrating in a different way
Using grief-coping skills such as deep breathing, walking, journaling, listening to music, or other relaxing practices
Volunteering or doing something charitable—perhaps connected to a loved one who has passed
Asking for help when you need it

Supporting Someone Who Is Grieving

If someone you care about is grieving during the holidays, there are several meaningful ways to support them (https://mountainvalleycares.org/):

Ask: “What is one thing I can do to help you get through this?” or “What’s one thing you do for yourself that you find helpful?”
Respect the way they choose to handle the holidays
Offer help with decorating or holiday baking
Assist with holiday shopping
Invite them to join you or your family during holiday events
Ask if they would like to volunteer with you during the season
Donate a gift or make a contribution in memory of their loved one

There is no right or wrong way to navigate the holidays while grieving. What matters most is listening to yourself and honoring what you need as you move through your loss. If grief begins to interfere with daily functioning, seeking professional support can be an important next step.

For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center offers mental health services, victim and crisis support, and education & outreach on Maryland’s Mid-Shore and throughout the state. The agency’s unique model of care ensures anyone can receive the highest-quality, trauma-certified mental health care when they need it, regardless of language or ability to pay. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.orghttps://grief.com/grief-the-holidays/