Why are the Holidays so difficult for Grieving People? There may be several reasons. Christmas is a time of celebration. These memories can be difficult as we remember better days and compare them to THIS Christmas. Holidays are usually a time to look to the future, but now future is difficult … unimaginable … and uncertainty always creates fear. So we are apprehensive about what we have to confront. We may even feel guilty about enjoying ourselves, as if this would be disrespectful to the memory of the person who has died. But we need to balance grieving what we have lost and appreciating what (and who) we still have.

1. Recognize that this Christmas is different
2. Decide what YOU want to do.
3. Plan Ahead. Avoid “should’s and oughts.
4. Re-examine your priorities.
5. Make the Changes you think are best
6. Take Responsibility for your own Happiness
7. Act rather than react
8. Stay in touch with your Feelings
9. Be honest about your feelings.
10. Don’t be afraid to Relive your Memories
11. Acknowledge your loved one’s presence
12. Create a Special Tribute
13. Look after Yourself
14. Be compassionate with yourself about not being perfect.
15. Ask for and Accept Help
16. Balance Solitude and Sociability
17. Set Differences Aside
18. Learn to Say “No”
19. Don’t Abandon Healthy habits
20. Take a Break from things
21. Try to find Something Positive in your Life
22. How can you turn your loss into something positive.
23. Take Care of Children
24. Create a Special Tribute to the Person
25. Try to make Others happy
26. Face the Future with Hope
27. Remember, there will be OTHER Christmas’s.