5 Coping Strategies for Surviving Holiday Grief

Coping strategies for mourning during society’s traditionally “festive” occasions

Photo by jens holm on Unsplash

There’s nothing quite as soul-sucking as the gaping hole left by a loved one’s death, especially the first year during any holiday of social import. This includes holidays traditionally considered to be “festive” occasions, like Christmas, and “happy” occasions, like weddings and birthdays and baptisms.

Death never comes at a convenient time. My dad died a few days before my birthday, and the echoes of grief around that specific date lasted for a number of years. I felt like I was wandering around my inner emotional drylands, trying not to fall into the dark pit of death but not quite finding any place comfortable to touch down. So, I kept wandering. And aching. This “place-less” sensation can be heightened during any gathering — holiday or otherwise — that usually assumes people to be light and happy, warm and cozy: Christmas, birthdays, Hanukkah, marriages, receptions, anniversaries, baptisms, etc.

It’s OK to fall into the grief pit, even on a holiday. Fling yourself bravely straight into that cavernous hole that threatens you with no underpinning. Yes, it’s a free fall, but your Higher Power is waiting at the bottom to catch you. You won’t get lost in it; I promise you’ll…