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Six Tips for Coping with Grief During the Holidays

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How to cope when you're expected to be merry, cheery, and bright.

Dose your grief and focus your grief - We are not meant to live in grief 24/7. Give yourself needed breaks from grief. If you're finding a break is not possible, focus your grief on something like journaling, creativity, or paying it forward. 

Control your controllables - Grief can often feel like it's out of your control, especially during the holidays. Try to find things that can be controlled, like accepting (or not) invitations to events, making pupcakes for a local shelter, taking time off of work, or giving yourself permission not to send holiday cards. 

Consider setting boundaries early - Many times, people who care about you try very hard at the holidays to "infuse joy" into you. Let people know that this year may be different. You might not want to exchange gifts or attend parties. You may not be able to host people at your home. Deciding what is right even weeks in advance can help alleviate anxiety. 

Seek support - There is no better time to give yourself compassion and surround yourself with as much healthy support as possible. Seek out people who are worthy of your grief and who offer non-judgmental support. 

Find new and special ways to honor your loved one - Keeping their spirit very present in your life, especially during the holidays, can be a big part of healing in grief. Your loved one is always going to be a part of your heart, home, and traditions. Yes, it looks different now, but the love is still there, and that matters.

Be patient with your grief journey - Grief doesn't hurry up just because it's the holiday season. Simply acknowledging that this season may feel overwhelming and will be quite different can allow your mind to rest and not be over-obligated this season. 

Ways to Honor Your Loved One During the Holidays

  • Look at photos and videos or create a photo album or scrapbook
  • Hold their belongings or create a space to display them
  • Create a special place for people to write down memories
  • Make a donation in your loved ones name
  • Buy a gift they would have loved...either keep for yourself or donate to a shelter
  • Volunteer your time

If you would like additional information about pet loss support provided by Lap of Love, please visit: petloss.lapoflove.com