As much as I love the holiday season for so many reasons, sometimes it feels really hard and heavy as it seems to highlight the hurt, grief, or turmoil. For some, it could be the first year without a loved one, the first holiday after a break-up, or you could be dreading the “interrogations” if you know, you know. Holidays are hard but here are some quick tips to survive this holiday season and enjoy it to the fullest!
Make no assumptions.
No one is having the “perfect” holiday season. The pain can be even more overwhelming when we feel like we have to keep it together and ignore it because the holidays are supposed to be happy and merry. But the good news is that we don’t have to keep it together. It’s okay not to be okay. We all grieve differently. You are not alone this season, and especially during a pandemic. Say yes to life and go to the Zoom Christmas gathering. Go caroling with Friends (just practice safe social distancing)! Eat all of the holiday goodies! But, take care of yourself this season too!
Make time to remember and share.
It is okay to reminisce and remember with your other loved ones about your loss. If you are the one processing a loss during the holidays, set aside time to do something intentional to give yourself space to feel and grieve. It doesn’t have to be something serious. Trust me, my first Christmas without my Dad was hard. But it made it easier when I expressed my feelings out loud and gave myself grace. Remember: many people are experiencing both the delight and magic of the holidays and also the sadness of someone’s absence. Both of these things can exist. And you’re not the only one. Consider sharing with someone how a certain tradition reminds you of your lost loved one, and that you miss them.
2020 has been hard but it doesn’t have to end on a hard note. If you know what would help you feel supported and comforted, let people know. If you don’t know, that’s okay too. Just be kind to yourself, and find at least one person to share with. May this be a season of real reflection and connection this year as we finish the year strong! With that being said, there is so much in store for this holiday season!
Love,
[…] of the things” and it is not worth it. Your sanity is not worth it. And for some, the holidays can be hard. I like to think of this time as a time of peace and contentment. And it starts with prioritizing […]