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Holiday Grief

All, Mental Health

by Tori Roalef
December 10, 2024

Navigating grief during the holidays is not easy, whether it's your first holiday, second holiday, or tenth holiday season since your loss. Sometimes what has worked before is not working now, and it is challenging to hold this grief and the traditions of the holidays. So, this week, let's look at some ways others have found peace with their holiday grief. In case you need a reminder this holiday season:

"You are not a grinch, you're in grief." -David Kessler

The Idea of the Week

The holiday season often amplifies grief as the absence of loved ones feels more profound. In this 29-minute podcast, Melissa from Grief Out Loud shares her personal journey and experiences with navigating holiday grief.

Below are the unlinked timestamps so you can jump to a section that stands out to you.

00:00 Introductions: Meet the host, Jana DeCristofaro, and Melissa, the guest speaker.
6:30 How her sister’s death impacted her parents.
11:00 Remembering her first Christmas after her dad died.
15:00 Feeling “Grinchy” during the holidays: Melissa shares what she’s doing to shift how she thinks and feels about the holidays.
17:30 Navigating the early cues that the holidays are coming.
19:15 Grieving for her grandparents before they died, and how the holidays can feel empty, even when the house is full.
23:15 Enjoying a different holiday or time of the year more.
25:00 Tips for navigating the holidays and taking the pressure off trying to make the holidays feel the same.

The Practice of the Week

Grief is complex, and during the holidays, it also intertwines with other emotions. If you find yourself feeling guilt, shame, or self-disappointment about your grief during the holidays, this 6-minute article proposes 5 alternative options to take the step and let go of the guilt. Another 7-minute article explores 10 Common Holiday Season Triggers and 3 starter steps when you find yourself slipping into one of the aforementioned feelings.

In the podcast episode above, Melissa shared, “It’s okay that it’s not the same.” Many articles about navigating grief offer creating new holiday traditions or finding meaningful ways to honor loved ones during the season. Below are a few resources for activities to help you find connection and comfort.