They say that "holidays are the most wonderful time of the year", but if you have recently lost a loved one, it can be really difficult getting through your first holidays without them. Grief doesn't end just because the calendar shows a specific date. That’s why it may be helpful to prepare yourself for a holiday season that will be different.
My hope is that the following ideas help bring you some comfort as you begin preparing to face your first holiday season without your loved one.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
First and foremost, you need to be kind to yourself during this difficult time. Prioritize your mental health by slowing down and giving yourself the space to feel your emotions. Know that your grief may appear unexpectedly as you are reminded of your loved one and that it is okay to pause any festivities for as long as you need to process what you’re feeling.
FIND COMFORT IN FAMILY TRADITIONS
Many of us find comfort by partaking in family traditions. Performing the same rituals your loved one enjoyed, like decorating the tree or yard, baking their favorite Christmas cookies, or watching their favorite Christmas movie, can help you continue to feel close to their spirit. You can also help their legacy live on by teaching these traditions to a new generation of family members.
START A NEW TRADITION
Along with the familiar traditions from years past, new ones can help you honor and stay connected to a Loved One who is no longer with you. Consider starting a new tradition of visiting their grave before attending a holiday church service with your family or inviting a new friend to join in at a meal at your home in their place.
KEEP A PHYSICAL REMINDER OF THEIR PRESENCE
When we lose a Loved One, sometimes the only thing we want to do is hold them close again. Memorial Keepsakes by A Timeless Impression can help create that tangible connection. We offer items engraved with fingerprints, handwriting, pet keepsakes and more and the high quality deep engraving allows you to "feel" the details as you hold onto them.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LOVED ONE
One way to help with the healing process is to acknowledge your loved one during your special holiday events. Take a few moments to make a toast to your late Loved One or share your favorite holiday memories together with your guests.
GIVE A GIFT IN THEIR NAME
One way to help your loved one’s legacy live on and spread some goodwill during the holiday season is to do something positive in their honor. You can make a donation in their name to their favorite charity or even give other grieving family members the gift of a Fingerprint Keepsake engraved with the detailed lines and grooves of your Loved One’s actual fingerprint so that they can feel comforted by their memory.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL JOY
Even in your grief, you can still find joy. Instead of feeling guilty for enjoying yourself, know that your Loved One would want that for you. Allow yourself to appreciate the special moments and memories you are creating during this wonderful time of year.
SEEK SUPPORT IF YOU NEED IT
There are people available for you to talk to and who will support you—even during the holidays. Consider joining a grief support group in your area, meeting with a therapist, or simply grabbing a cup of coffee with an understanding family member or friend. Always remember that you are not alone.
AND FINALLY, IT'S OKAY TO NOT CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS
Even though they are meant to symbolize comfort and joy, the holidays can be extremely hard after you have lost someone close to you. It's ok to take a step back from the festivities this year if you need to. You can choose to attend fewer gatherings, scale down your family celebration, or forgo all activities and focus on other projects or hobbies that help ease your heart and mind.
I understand that the holidays can be difficult, especially after a loved one has died. If you are grieving, please know that you have my most sincere sympathy and I hope that you can continue to feel comforted by your loved one’s presence during this season and moving forward.
My hope is that the following ideas help bring you some comfort as you begin preparing to face your first holiday season without your loved one.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
First and foremost, you need to be kind to yourself during this difficult time. Prioritize your mental health by slowing down and giving yourself the space to feel your emotions. Know that your grief may appear unexpectedly as you are reminded of your loved one and that it is okay to pause any festivities for as long as you need to process what you’re feeling.
FIND COMFORT IN FAMILY TRADITIONS
Many of us find comfort by partaking in family traditions. Performing the same rituals your loved one enjoyed, like decorating the tree or yard, baking their favorite Christmas cookies, or watching their favorite Christmas movie, can help you continue to feel close to their spirit. You can also help their legacy live on by teaching these traditions to a new generation of family members.
START A NEW TRADITION
Along with the familiar traditions from years past, new ones can help you honor and stay connected to a Loved One who is no longer with you. Consider starting a new tradition of visiting their grave before attending a holiday church service with your family or inviting a new friend to join in at a meal at your home in their place.
KEEP A PHYSICAL REMINDER OF THEIR PRESENCE
When we lose a Loved One, sometimes the only thing we want to do is hold them close again. Memorial Keepsakes by A Timeless Impression can help create that tangible connection. We offer items engraved with fingerprints, handwriting, pet keepsakes and more and the high quality deep engraving allows you to "feel" the details as you hold onto them.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR LOVED ONE
One way to help with the healing process is to acknowledge your loved one during your special holiday events. Take a few moments to make a toast to your late Loved One or share your favorite holiday memories together with your guests.
GIVE A GIFT IN THEIR NAME
One way to help your loved one’s legacy live on and spread some goodwill during the holiday season is to do something positive in their honor. You can make a donation in their name to their favorite charity or even give other grieving family members the gift of a Fingerprint Keepsake engraved with the detailed lines and grooves of your Loved One’s actual fingerprint so that they can feel comforted by their memory.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL JOY
Even in your grief, you can still find joy. Instead of feeling guilty for enjoying yourself, know that your Loved One would want that for you. Allow yourself to appreciate the special moments and memories you are creating during this wonderful time of year.
SEEK SUPPORT IF YOU NEED IT
There are people available for you to talk to and who will support you—even during the holidays. Consider joining a grief support group in your area, meeting with a therapist, or simply grabbing a cup of coffee with an understanding family member or friend. Always remember that you are not alone.
AND FINALLY, IT'S OKAY TO NOT CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS
Even though they are meant to symbolize comfort and joy, the holidays can be extremely hard after you have lost someone close to you. It's ok to take a step back from the festivities this year if you need to. You can choose to attend fewer gatherings, scale down your family celebration, or forgo all activities and focus on other projects or hobbies that help ease your heart and mind.
I understand that the holidays can be difficult, especially after a loved one has died. If you are grieving, please know that you have my most sincere sympathy and I hope that you can continue to feel comforted by your loved one’s presence during this season and moving forward.
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