10 Ways to Cope with Grief During the Holidays
The holiday season often brings joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for those navigating grief, it can also highlight the pain of loss. Whether it’s your first holiday without a loved one or a reminder of many past losses, these emotions can feel overwhelming. As an attachment-based therapist, I understand how our bonds shape us and how loss disrupts those bonds. Grief is not something to “get over” but something to move through, with support and intentionality.
Here are 10 ways to cope with grief during the holiday season:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions—sadness, guilt, anger, or even moments of joy. Allow yourself to experience these emotions without judgment. Grief is a natural response to loss, and honoring your feelings can help you process them.
- Set Boundaries Around Traditions
You don’t have to participate in every holiday tradition. Decide which ones feel comforting and which may feel too painful. It’s okay to adapt traditions to fit your current emotional needs or to start new ones that honor your loved one.
- Create Space to Remember
Incorporating your loved one into the holiday can bring a sense of connection. Light a candle, share stories, or set a place at the table for them. These gestures can be comforting and help keep their memory alive in a positive way.
- Lean on Your Support System
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand your grief. You don’t have to go through this alone. Simply sharing your feelings with someone who listens without judgment can be profoundly healing.
- Practice Self-Compassion
Grief can bring feelings of guilt or self-criticism, especially during the holidays. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel however you feel. Be gentle with yourself and allow room for imperfection in how you navigate this season.
- Take Breaks When Needed
The busyness of the holidays can feel exhausting when you’re grieving. Give yourself permission to step away from events or obligations if you need time to rest or reflect. Prioritize what feels most nurturing to your well-being.
- Express Your Emotions Creatively
Writing, painting, or creating something in honor of your loved one can be a powerful way to channel your feelings. Journaling about your grief or making something symbolic can help you process your emotions in a tangible way.
- Find Joy Without Guilt
It’s common to feel guilty about experiencing moments of happiness after loss. But joy doesn’t diminish your love or grief—it’s a sign of resilience and the human capacity to hold multiple emotions at once. Give yourself permission to smile, laugh, and find peace when it comes.
- Engage in Grounding Practices
Grief can make you feel disconnected. Grounding techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or spending time in nature can help bring you back to the present moment, providing a sense of calm amidst emotional waves.
- Seek Professional Support
If the holiday season feels too overwhelming to navigate alone, consider reaching out to a therapist. An attachment-based approach can help you explore the depth of your grief, rebuild connections, and find ways to move forward without letting go of the love you carry.
Grieving during the holidays is a complex journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Allow yourself the grace to feel, reflect, and connect in ways that honor your emotions and your loved one. Remember, healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding ways to live fully while carrying your loss with love.
If you’re ready to explore your grief more deeply, an attachment-based therapist can provide a safe space to help you navigate this season and beyond.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out for support today.
