10 Ways to Cope with Holiday Grief

*Note: Because grief is intensely personal and unique, you may or may not experience any of these. If you feel that your grief is manifesting in a different way or that you need to talk to someone, then don’t delay.

1. Be prepared for some sad moments or memories. You don’t need to be looking for them, but when and if they show up, give them the time you need to process them.

2. If you are worried about having too much time to overthink your losses, fill some of your empty holiday holes with good things.

3. Honor and celebrate old traditions and memories.

4 Be intentional about creating new traditions and memories.

5. Identify and expand your best coping skills.

6. Avoid isolation by volunteering at your church or in your community. Serving others is a significant way to avoid life-sucking self-loathing isolation can bring.

7. Avoid isolation by volunteering at your church or in your community. Serving others is a significant way to avoid life-sucking self-loathing isolation can bring.

8. Have “reasonable expectations” of yourself. How do you think you are doing? How are you feeling? Based on what you know about grief, are you in an ok place? If you are in doubt, ask a friend.

9. Be sure to set boundaries on your time, expectations, and activities. Be busy but not distracted.

10. If you need help, get it. Reach out to friends, family, ministry leaders, therapists, online resources, and Crisis Lines if required.

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