Handling the Holidays During Covid19
Holidays are often difficult for people who have experienced the death of a loved one. The sounds, sights and smells of the holiday season may trigger feelings of sadness, loss, emptiness and anxiety. Traditionally being a time of family togetherness, sharing and thanksgiving, this season may bring feelings of loss different from what you experience in your daily routine. This is a common part of grieving during the holidays. We hope this information provides guidance and support so you can find peace throughout the holiday season.
Plan Ahead
The season is often filled with traditions and gatherings of friends and family. This year there may also be a change in expectations and hopes for the season as we continue to be impacted by Covid-19. Take some time to consider what you want to do while also considering what feels right and safe for you, your family and friends. Remember, what you do this year does not define future options and possibilities.
Inform Others of Your Needs
As you grieve during the holidays, well-meaning friends and family may try to tell you what they feel is in your best interest. It is important to focus on what is best for you. As you become aware of your needs, share them with friends and family. Be specific with them about your preferences and desires and let them know if those needs change.
Be Aware of Limitations
Grief can consume most of your available physical and emotional energy no matter what the season.
The holidays place additional demands on your time and emotions. Respect what your body and mind are telling you. Be realistic in the expectations you hold for yourself.
Reduce Unnecessary Stress
During a year that has already been stressful and filled with so many unknowns, the holiday season can bring additional stress. While it is okay to change your surroundings, rituals and/or traditions to reduce stress, you may consider doing things on a smaller scale. This might include limiting commitments and re-evaluating priorities while letting go of unnecessary activities or obligations. Keeping busy can distract you from your grief, but it may increase stress.
Talk About Your Grief
It is important to identify others who encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings, both happy and sad, without judgement. Be open to expressing your feelings of grief related to all losses this year as sharing your feelings may help lessen the pain.
Take some time to consider what you want to do while also considering what feels right and safe for you, your family and friends.
Ask For And Accept Help
Oftentimes, loved ones are looking for ways to provide their support. Allowing those who care about you to assist with holiday shopping, decorating, cleaning, cooking, etc. may lessen your feelings of loneliness and may even be enjoyable.
Be Gentle With Yourself
The combination of a holiday and a loss naturally results in looking inward and thinking about where you have been and where you are. Be gentle with yourself as you think about the true meaning of the holidays. Find things around you that you are thankful for, even if they are small things. Accept the ups and downs you may experience. If you feel sadness, feel sadness. If you feel joy, feel joy. Keep taking deep breaths and take each moment as it comes.
Healing Rituals
Memories were made in love, and memories are what keep you connected to your loved one during the holiday season. As you share memories, keep in mind that memories can bring feelings of both happiness and sadness. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. The following are ideas that may bring you comfort as you remember your loved one:
- Decorate the tree with family or friends
- Place a wreath at your loved one’s grave site
- Choose a candle or flower to be placed at the table as a remembrance
- Make a loved one’s favorite meal
- Place written memories in a box to be shared when family is together
We’re Here To Support You
Our Grief Services team knows that sometimes it is helpful to have someone to talk to or even an opportunity to connect with others who are grieving. We’re here to support you. We offer support by phone and virtual visits or groups. This holiday season if you are interested in a virtual grief support group, consider attending Virtual Hope and the Holidays.
Virtual Hope and The Holidays
The Virtual Hope and the Holidays group will meet on the Zoom platform for five consecutive Tuesdays from November 10th thru December 8th, 2020 from either 1:30-3 PM or 6-7:30 PM. This group is open to any adult member of the community who has experienced the death of a loved one. Topics will include grief around the holidays, traditions, self-care and finding help. Please call Unity at 800-990-9249 by Thursday, November 5 to set up the required Zoom registration meeting for this grief support group.
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