People grieving are the experts of their grief. They are living the loss of their loved one (e.g., mother, father, friend, uncle, wife, husband, etc). Their relationship with the deceased is unique, and their loss belongs to them. This is important to remember when it comes to how they are handling their grief, especially around the holidays. Often, family and friends tell people grieving how they should or should not celebrate the holidays, feel around the holidays or what they should do to take care of themselves this time of year. Suggestions are great because no one knows EVERYTHING about grief. However, judging or denying how they want to handle the holidays can be very harmful. It does not have to make sense to you. They are doing the best they can to survive this tough time. Be supportive and encourage healthy coping.
Please remember this is one suggestion for how to help support those in grief for the holidays. Please feel free to review more of our tips here in our Blog section. And, always remember, you don’t have to journey alone…even as a supporter!
