Crystal Partney on How to Get Through the Holidays with a Lost Love One

Grief can be unbearable any day, let alone around the holidays when everyone seems cheerful and happy. After the loss of a loved one seeing friends and family for a jolly time might sound unbearable, and you are certainly not alone.

It is perfectly normal to dread the holidays when experiencing a period of grief. You might even worry that you will never enjoy this time of year again. Feeling like the holidays are now the time to hide away and be alone. For some, the holidays can be difficult long after their loved one has passed.

So, how do people get through this time and create enough peace within themselves to begin to enjoy the season again? While there is no single answer that will work for everyone, there are a number of ways to make the season easier to bear.

Ideas for Making the Holidays Easier

First, start by understanding that this time of year will not be the same and that it will be difficult. Accepting this is your first step to finding peace. Then, start to think and make conscious decisions about what the holidays will look like from now and on and how you want to experience them.

• Traditions

Work in small traditional changes that honor the person no longer with the family. For example, at the next holiday gathering, you can propose a moment of silence and lighting of a candle for the person. You can also prepare the person’s favorite dish and make it a new menu staple. Share photos or have family members write down their favorite memories and share them. The idea is to dedicate a new tradition to the memory of the person you lost.

Dedicating a new tradition to your loved one will help you feel as though they have been included in the festivities. It also gives other guests a tangible way to connect with you and your grief. This will help the environment become more supportive, rather than everyone trying to ignore how you are feeling.

• Being Honest

Be honest with your family and friends. You may feel obliged to go to or host a gathering. If you don’t feel like hosting, simply tell them. There is no reason to stress yourself out or experience setbacks in your grieving process to please others. Also, if you think you won’t be able to stay the whole evening at a party, don’t. Graciously accept the invitation saying that you would love to come for part of the evening.

Your family and friends will understand. It is essential to take care of yourself the best you can.

• Don’t Worry

Don’t worry if you can’t find the time to do all the Christmasy things you usually do. There is no recipe for ending grief. Pay attention to your needs and try not to bite off more than you can chew. Stressing yourself out this time of year can intensify your suffering. Remember, you aren’t putting anyone out by ensuring you are in the best frame of mind possible.

Where Can I Learn More

Visit Crystal Partney’s Scattering Hope today. Crystal started Scattering hope to help others deal with the grief of suicide after losing her sister. You will find a helpful manual to cope with the grieving process, journaling techniques, and gifts. There are hope and ways to find peace out there. Take a look around and use what best resonates with you.