Coping With Grief Over The Holidays

Grieving is a difficult process and it can be especially trying during the holiday season. Many people feel frustrated or overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere, struggling to contain their pain without disrupting the joy of the people around them. At Arbutus Funeral Service, we encourage those who are grieving to be kinder to themselves. Here are some tips that can help you cope with the grief during the holiday season:

1. Don't Force Yourself to Participate

Many well-meaning friends and loved ones force grieving individuals to participate in holiday preparations to distract them. Some people welcome the distraction while others are overwhelmed by it. Don't force yourself to participate in the festivities are too painful to endure. There are other distractions that can help you feel better without reminding you of a loved one's absence.

2. Don't Feel Guilty

It is common for people to feel guilty if they enjoy themselves during the grieving period. You will experience all kinds of emotions, including joy and enthusiasm, even after a loved one's passing. Don't ignore or try to crush these feelings out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. Whether you feel sad and angry or joyful during the holiday season, process those emotions in a healthy manner.

3. Create New Rituals

Create new holiday rituals that honor the deceased individual but still help you enjoy the holidays. You don't need to follow the same rituals after a loved one's passing. For example, forego Christmas tree shopping if that was something you did with the deceased individual. You can instead let someone else do it and focus on decorating the tree with family or friends.

Have any questions about organizing a funeral or want to book funeral services? Just contact us or give us a call (604) 888-9895. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.