At some point in our lives, we all experience grief after the death of someone close to us. Holidays and times of celebration can remind us of our grief, and it can even feel difficult to celebrate when we are grieving.
However, it is still possible to celebrate and feel gratitude during the holiday season while you’re grieving. Our LoKate Coordinator Kacie put together four great tips on coping with grief during the holidays.
1. Don’t put pressure on yourself to celebrate the holidays in a certain way.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect and there is no single right way to celebrate. Celebrate in a way that feels authentic to you and your grief.
2. Re-examine and re-consider your traditions.
Partake in traditions that bring comfort to you and honor your person. However, it is okay to be flexible about the traditions you do and what you feel up to. Holidays can look different from year to year. Think about how you can honor your traditions while allowing room for change.
3. Consider making new traditions.
Are there new ways you can honor your person during the holidays? Consider donating to a food bank or present drive in their name, lighting a candle honoring them, or leaving a place at the table for them.
4. Say “no” and take “me” time.
Boundaries are so important during the holidays. Don’t be afraid to say no and don’t overextend yourself. You come first! Make sure you are also finding time to care for yourself.
LoKate is a Kate’s Club program for young adults grieving the death of a parent, sibling, friend, partner, or someone important to them.
Kate's Club has free grief support with grief resources, grief counseling resources, grief training, and volunteer work in Atlanta and surrounding places in Georgia. Kate's Club is a growing nonprofit in Atlanta with grief specialists for kids and young adults going through bereavement. Our goal is to make a world where it is okay to grieve.