Grieving the loss of a loved one is challenging at any time of the year, but it can be exponentially heartbreaking during the holiday season. The focus on joy and togetherness may shine a harsh light on a new reality. Of course nothing will turn back the clock, but there are coping mechanisms to honor your emotions and gently support yourself through this difficult time.

Chronicle Your Feelings

Your emotions may be all over the place. Whether it’s waves of sadness, disappointment, anger or abandonment, give yourself permission to acknowledge and accept your feelings as they come up. It can be helpful to start a grief journal to work through the especially painful emotions. If you have trepidation about participating in a holiday event, write a list of all the feelings this particular celebration could potentially stir up. Taking the guesswork out of what is coming may make the situation more manageable.

Take Care of Yourself

Grief can be as physically draining as it is emotionally devastating. It can disrupt sleep patterns, diminish your appetite and deplete energy levels. Practice self-care by making time for naps if you need them, eating healthy foods and staying hydrated. Exercising and spending time outdoors in the fresh air can also be therapeutic. The mind-body connection is powerful. Taking care of your physical self can be an important part of the healing process.  

Ask For Help If You Need It

There is busy. And then there is holiday busy. The mad rush of shopping for gifts, wading through decorations and juggling events can overwhelm us all. But when you are grieving, and possibly spending your first holiday season without your spouse or significant other, it may all be too much to handle on your own. Let friends or family members help you with tasks that are important to you but too difficult to accomplish on your own right now. If you don’t ask, they won’t know you are struggling. As for events, pick and choose the ones you feel comfortable attending. It’s okay to beg off when you need some space.

Old Traditions

After a recent loss, holiday traditions may leave you sad and conflicted. Enjoying celebrations without your loved one may feel like a betrayal. Try finding a way to honor both traditions and your loved one’s memory with a special touch that reminds you of them. Include their favorite dessert or play the music they loved. Holidays will not be the same without them, but it can be an opportunity to remember them and how much the holidays meant to both of you.

New Traditions

If trying to recreate the magic of those shared seasons of the past is too painful, think about changing things up a bit. Talk to your holiday homies and think of new ways to celebrate.

  • If Thanksgiving was always at your place and you are grieving the loss of your turkey carver, try a change of venue.
  • If you can’t face large groups of holiday revelers, create a smaller, more intimate casual gathering where you can relax and just be yourself. Remember your loved one by playing their favorite card or board game.
  • Try making this holiday about service to others. Visit a nursing home, help serve a holiday meal at a soup kitchen, or donate gifts to a family in need. Reaching out to others can help ease your own pain.

You don’t have to simply survive this holiday season. Friendship, support, and comfort is what Overture senior living communities are all about. Your recent life changes make now the perfect time to become part of a family of peers who understand – and possibly share - your circumstances. You will never be alone as you embrace a stress-free, turnkey lifestyle.

Book a tour today. Your new friends are ready and waiting to hear what you need.