The key to a calm, connected holiday season lies in clear, compassionate communication. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re pathways to peace and understanding. In a previous article, we shared 7 Tips to Cope with Difficult People and Holiday Grief, which offers practical strategies for navigating family gatherings and handling challenging personalities. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into
For those grieving, the winter holidays—from Thanksgiving through Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s—can bring mixed emotions. Honoring your needs during this time is important in finding resilience and meaning, even while mourning. A balanced approach that combines coping skills for managing sudden triggers and planned self-care for deeper emotional restoration can help support you
As many of us in the U.S. navigate the current climate of election season, anxiety can run high, adding to the emotional weight of grief. The uncertainty, tension, and heightened emotions surrounding political events can amplify existing feelings of loss and stress. It’s more important than ever to prioritize tending to yourself during this time. Remember, your
Grief changes the holiday landscape, but it doesn’t have to dictate it. With compassionate planning, we can find a way to honor both our loss and ourselves during this season. The holiday season is often heralded as a time of joy and togetherness, but when you’re grieving, it can transform into a stretch of weeks filled
The first Thanksgiving without your loved one may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. What once may have been a favorite time of year now amplifies your difficult feelings, leaving you wondering how you will cope with grief during the holidays. While time may soften the edges of grief, it’s natural to miss them not only on
I want to remind you of something incredibly important today: It’s okay not to feel okay.Grief is a unique and personal journey, and your holiday experience may not always align with the expectations of others. But that doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It means you are grieving.Today – and every day for that
Christmas, in its essence, is a time of reflection and connection. As you navigate your first without a loved one, consider embrace it as a journey of learning, self-compassion, and gentle rediscovery. As the holiday season unfolds, the joy and festivities can often be tinged with a profound sense of loss, especially if you’re experiencing your
Grief during the holidays serves up a perfect storm where joyous memories crash against reality and expectations, something that is especially tough when it’s a child who’s grieving. I know this firsthand. On October 18, 1977, my uncle Doug died by suicide. I was 7 years old. While I don’t remember the specifics of the Thanksgiving
