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HOLIDAY STRESS AND GRIEF:

How to Honor Your Loved One

and Care for Yourself

by Lindsey B. Nesbitt

he holiday season is often a and physically. During the holidays, and reduce feeling overwhelmed,
time of joy, togetherness, and you must remind yourself that you are allowing you to approach the season
Tcelebration. But for those who doing great. It’s okay if you aren’t able one moment at a time.
are grieving the loss of a loved one, to participate in every holiday event
this time of year can bring waves or if your mood doesn’t align with 5. Limit Social Media Exposure: Social
of personal sadness and emotional the season’s festivities. Give yourself media can heighten feelings of
distress. It’s important to acknowledge grace. Healing is not linear, and you are isolation, especially when it seems
that grief is natural and may be navigating something complicated. like everyone else is celebrating. It’s
incredibly intense during the holidays. okay to take a break or limit your
At Bridge Hospice, we understand how Practical Tools for Coping with time online to avoid comparison and
difficult this season can be, and we offer Holiday Stress emotional triggers.
support and guidance as you navigate The demands of the holiday season can Embrace the Memory of Your Loved
this challenging time.
amplify feelings of grief. Here are some One
Allow Yourself to Feel helpful tools to manage stress during
this time: The holidays can be a time to reflect
Grief during the holidays can come on cherished memories with your
with added pressure to appear happy 1. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no loved one. Sharing stories with family
and festive, even when your heart is to gatherings or traditions that feel or friends or setting aside a moment
heavy. It’s essential to remember that too overwhelming. Communicate of remembrance can help you feel
all emotions—whether sadness, anger your needs to family and friends, connected to them in a meaningful way.
or even relief—are valid. If you feel and remember that your well-being While these memories may bring tears,
the need to cry, reminisce, or simply comes first. they can also bring comfort, reminding
withdraw for a moment, allow yourself 2. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure that you of the love that remains.
that space. Trying to suppress your you are taking time to care for You Are Not Alone
feelings can lead to more stress in the yourself. Whether it’s taking a walk,
long run. Grieving during the holidays is
journaling, or simply resting, self-
Create New Traditions care can help you healthily process challenging, but you are not alone.
your grief. Bridge Hospice is here to support you
Old traditions may comfort some, every step of the way. Remember to give
but they can be too painful for others. 3. Lean on Support Systems: Whether yourself permission to grieve in your
Consider honoring your loved one in it’s family, friends, or a professional own time and space. It’s okay to not be
a new way this year. Light a candle in counselor, don’t hesitate to reach okay. Most importantly, give yourself
their memory, set a special place at the out for support. Talking about your grace and acknowledge that you are
table for them, or donate to a cause that feelings can provide relief, and navigating this season with courage
was important to them. This helps keep others may offer comfort in ways and strength, even when it doesn’t feel
their memory alive while adapting to you didn’t expect. like it.
the changes in your life.
4. Mindfulness Practices: Engage in You are doing great, even in your grief.
Give Yourself Grace mindful breathing, meditation, or
other relaxation techniques. These Please check out the ad for BRIDGE Hospice
Grief is exhausting, both emotionally practices can help calm your mind on the back cover.

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