In this episode, I talk about facing the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, while grieving. Drawing from my own experiences, I explore the challenges grievers face with family expectations, the pressure to feel grateful amidst loss, and our own internal guilt.

But there's hope and practical strategies, like acknowledging emotions, setting boundaries, and honoring loved ones in meaningful ways.

I also touch briefly on collective grief, highlighting the historical trauma faced by Indigenous peoples in the U.S., and providing links to learn more about their history.

In the end, it’s okay to feel sadness during the holidays, and perfectly normal to not be in the mood for gratitude.

Episode Highlights

• Navigating Grief During Thanksgiving
• Personal Reflections on Grief
• Practical Strategies for Coping
• Acknowledge and validate your feelings
• Honor lost loved ones
• Addressing Collective Indigenous Grief
• Permission to Feel Sadness
• Acts of Compassion

Connect with me!

• Substack: https://thegriefcurator.substack.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGriefCurator
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegriefcurator/ 
• Website: https://thegriefcurator.com/
• Ask The Grief Curator: [email protected]

Music

Intro and Outro: Eulogy | Licensed and Used with Permission of Thrumm, a

division of Junius Recording Company

During Story: Waiting at 54th by Vincent and A

Secret | Licensed and Used with Permission of Epidemic Sound

Bibliography

Tocabe: https://www.tocabe.com/

Four Directions Cuisine: https://fourdirectionscuisine.com/

National Indian School System Digital Archive: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/nibsda/

Podcast Disclaimer: Michelle is not a licensed therapist.  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. If at any moment in today’s discussion, you feel triggered, or not ready to face these big feelings, take a break, drink some water or tea, and come back to the podcast when you are ready.

If you do find that your everyday tasks are becoming impossible, or if you find you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call 988 or your local emergency number, and reach out to your therapist.