The Holidays and Grief: 5 Tips

For many Houston families who have lost a loved one, this time of year proves especially difficult. The parties, music, and decorations that are meant to bring joy instead serve as painful reminders of how life used to be. The sadness feels sadder; the loneliness runs deeper. Our staff at Morales Funeral Home recognizes that supporting those who are grieving is crucial during the holidays – and we’re here to do just that.

You can visit us at our Houston location or reach out to us with questions about connecting with grief resources anytime. We’ve also gathered together these tips for you, if you’re wondering how you’ll make it through the next month or two without your loved one by your side. Please remember this: Grief is a process. No matter how you feel at the moment, working through your loss will help you in the long run.

1. Set realistic expectations for yourself.If the thought of attending the local tree-lighting ceremony or celebrating another tradition feels unbearably painful, give yourself permission to sit it out. You don’t have to try and please everyone as you navigate new – and challenging – emotions.
2. It’s okay to feel sadness and anger – and happiness and joy.Enjoying yourself doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten your loved one, or diminish how much you miss them. Sharing laughter and fun memories by telling stories and looking at photo albums can be a real source of comfort and bring a smile during an otherwise difficult time.
3. Accept help.After someone dies, those around you may want to step in and help, but often feel uncomfortable and don’t know what to say or do. If someone reaches out to you – offers to bring a meal, go shopping together, or help you decorate – consider saying yes even if it feels a little awkward. You never know how these experiences might help you heal.
4. Remind yourself that this year is different.Holidays magnify how much your loss has changed your life. Little reminders of your loved one pop up all over the place when you least expect it. It’s all right to have strong reactions. It’s normal for some days to be better than others. And it’s perfectly acceptable to take it easy and acknowledge there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays after losing someone close to you.
5. Take care of yourself.While it may bring temporary comfort, avoid turning to alcohol or other forms of self-medication when you’re feeling especially down. Instead, get the rest, exercise, and nourishment you need. If you want to be around other people, seek them out. If you crave time alone, honor that.

Whether you lost a loved one years ago or attended their funeral in recent weeks, consider tapping into our grief support resources. From online counseling services to grief support information to interactive videos, the help you need may be just a click away. If you would benefit from a daily dose of encouragement, sign up for daily emails to get hope and motivation delivered to your inbox each and every morning.

You can also take comfort in knowing our Morales team is available for you day and night. Our door is always open.