Tidings of Comfort and Joy?
Facing the holidays after bereavement
When you’re grieving the death of a family member or friend, it is natural that you may dread the holiday season. Thoughts of social gatherings, family traditions, and obligations can leave you anxious and burdened. Your sadness can seem inconsolable. What can you do to lessen your stress and loneliness?
- Talk to others who have experienced loss.
Peers and those closest to you can be a great source of support. Don’t hold everything inside!
- Create a holiday plan will help
Make a list of every holiday tradition you can think of, from music to presents to outings. Then decide which traditions will be too difficult without your deceased loved one, which traditions you’d like to maintain, and what new traditions you can start this year.
- Communicating with family and friends
Where can you find out what emotions to expect over the holidays, how to create a healthy plan and how to communicate with family and friends these coming weeks?
“Surviving the Holidays” seminar on November 13th at St. James Parish Center
A GriefShare Surviving the Holidays seminar, held November 13 Room 9 of the Parish Center at 6:30 PM, offers practical, actionable strategies for making it through the holiday season. At this two-hour seminar, you’ll view a video featuring advice from people in grief who’ve faced the holidays after their loss. You’ll hear insights from respected Christian counselors, pastors, and psychologists. You’ll receive a Holiday Survival Guide with practical strategies, encouraging words, helpful exercises, Q/As, and journaling ideas for daily survival through the holiday season
At GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, you’ll meet with other grieving people who understand what you’re going through. They won’t judge you or force you to share, but will accept you where you are and will offer comfort and support. Your holiday season won’t be easy; your emotions may ambush you and suck you under at times. But you can choose to walk through this season in a way that honors your loved one and puts you on the path of health and healing.
To register or find out more about GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, call Renee Hitt (262) 363-7615 ext. 125 or email [email protected]