Religious services can be fraught with discomfort. Sometimes it’s as simple as being in such a public environment without the person you love. For others, it’s the looks of pity you may be getting from others. If religious services are difficult for you, here are some options: • Don’t go. Though it may feel obligatory, …
The Peril of Religious Services When You’re Grieving…and Some Solutions Read More »
As I’ve said elsewhere it is fine to skip the holidays entirely if you so choose. An alternative to skipping the holiday is to make it meaningful. Here are some meaningful gift ideas you might consider: • Photo albums or scrapbooks. • Frame a favorite photograph. • A collection of favorite recipes. • Give a …
As with all things around the holiday when you’re grieving, it is ok to skip whatever you don’t feel up to doing. That includes all the decorations, but if you do want to decorate, here are some ideas to keep things simple, manageable, and meaningful. While some want to use the same decorations they’ve always …
When it comes to the holidays doing it the same but different is probably the most popular option, and it’s a good one. You are only limited by your imagination Many of these ideas are ways of allowing the memory of your loved one to be present in the midst of your family traditions. Be …
It’s OK to Change Things Up a Bit While Honoring Your Family’s Holiday Traditions Read More »
While some like to break with tradition and do everything differently, others find comfort in continuing with the traditions developed over many years. Many people find the continuity comforting. It also helps them feel more connected to the person who died rather than less. For others, it’s the exact opposite so do what feels right …
It’s OK to Keep All the Holiday Traditions Exactly the Same Read More »
When confronted with the holidays after someone you love has died, you have three viable options. You can do it differently, do it exactly the same, or do it the same with some modifications. There are no rights or wrongs. Whatever you decide, you will make a decision that is right for you. It will …
When You’re Grieving It’s OK to Skip the Holidays Read More »
When it comes to grief and the holidays, making a plan is essential. I don’t generally recommend a Plan C but I do recommend a Plan A and a Plan B. You really don’t know how you’re going to feel when the holiday gets here but you can make a plan nonetheless. It might be …
Make a Plan for Getting Through The Holidays When You’re Grieving Read More »
No matter how you plan for the holidays, or any other special day you shared with your loved one, it is especially important to plan on how you are going to take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions specifically focused on getting through the holidays. I hope they help. 1. Take good care of yourself. …
When You’re Grieving, Take Especially Good Care of Yourself Through the Holidays Read More »
Anticipation of any holiday is almost always worse than the reality. This is also true for every birthday, anniversary and special day you may have shared. Your apprehension is understandable. You don’t know exactly how you’re going to feel. You know you’re going to be sad and you imagine it’s all going to be positively …
When You’re Grieving, Anticipation is Harder than the Reality Read More »
Many grief counselors believe all death is traumatic. I don’t agree. I have worked with too many people who have experienced the peaceful death of a loved one to believe all deaths are traumatic. Even with a peaceful death, however, the grief is painful but not traumatic. Personally, I think of grief and trauma as …