Managing Christmas When Your’e Grieving
17 December, 2023
The pressure to please others and act normal can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained. However, by planning ahead, and managing the situation, you can take out some of the overwhelm.
Plan what you would like to happen
If you have family, chat with, have a discussion and plan what you would like to happen. Other family members may well have been feeling the same as you and might be relieved that you have taken an element of control. Making a plan means that nobody is worried about upsetting each other.
There is no right or wrong
Maybe you might like a different Christmas, and that’s ok. You might like to do what you have always done at Christmas, and that’s ok too. By talking about it, it will make it easier for everyone. Everyone will know what to expect. There is no right or wrong.
Be open and honest
If you have children, include them in making the plans. Be honest when you are talking with them. Express how sad you are feeling that Mum/Dad/Grandma/Grandad/Uncle won’t be there and that it is going to be different this year. Ask them if there is anything they would like to do to acknowledge them.
Start a new tradition
You could start a new tradition to remember them. Sharing memories, lighting a special candle, listening to a particular song, playing their favourite board game. Buying a special Christmas bauble for the tree.
Prepare a quiet place
Have a get out plan. If you are going to someone else’s house, ask if there is a quiet room you can borrow if you need a little break. Explain that you might need some time out without everyone questioning and wondering where you are.
♥ I always manage so much better with a plan. With a plan you might be able to look forward to a certain part of the day. You can relax a little and know what to expect.
♥ I really look forward to buying a special Christmas bauble each year to take to my Dad’s and Sharon’s resting place.
♥ I love that Mum, Lynn and I now have a new tradition and go out for a festive meal in December and raise a glass to Dad and Sharon.
