The holidays are stressful, and when you’re struggling with the recent death of a loved one, it may feel overwhelming. There are, however, practical strategies to get through the first Christmas season following losing a spouse, family member, or friend.
Be Kind To Yourself
Even if you and your loved one didn’t make a big deal out of the holidays, it’s natural to feel sad, angry, or hopeless at this time. During the holidays, time with family and friends is prioritised, which may be a trigger for your sadness. It’s critical to recognise your feelings at this period to help you process your loss, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re having difficulty.
Share Your Memories With Your Family and Friends
It might be beneficial to discuss your loved one at holiday parties. If your family or friend group is also grieving, sharing memories, traditions, and hilarious anecdotes can make everyone feel better. If it’s a more personal loss, the support of others around you may help you feel less lonely.
Reduce Holiday Worries
Lightening your workload is an excellent method to alleviate some of the Christmas season’s stress, particularly in the first year. If you usually host holidays, cook meals, or manage other activities, let your loved ones know you won’t be able to do so this year so they may make alternate plans. Allow yourself the delight of participating if, on the other hand, you like such activities and discover that they help you cope with your sadness.
Make Your Mental Health a Priority
The bottom conclusion is that your mental health should be your first concern over the Christmas season. Self-care is essential; as the phrase goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” You are not required to do something that you believe will make your pain worse. Communicate with family and friends if you believe it is preferable to skip certain gatherings this year and make plans to meet up after the holidays.
At Carlyon Funeral Directors, we know how difficult it can be to navigate the process of losing a loved one, especially when it comes to planning a funeral. We are available to sit down with you and talk things through over a nice cup of tea. Alternatively, you can give us a call or contact us through our website, we are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
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