Navigating the Holidays While Grieving: 5 Ways to Honor Your Loved One and Care for Yourself
The holidays likely don’t feel like “the most wonderful time of the year” for you as you’re experiencing grief over a loss you’ve experienced. Every tradition, song, or gathering likely highlights the absence of what you once had, leaving you overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward. And the messages all feel the same— ”The holidays are hard, but…” or “How to get through the holidays…”
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to pretend you’re okay. It’s possible to honor your loss and your needs during this season. Here are 5 gentle ways to navigate the holidays when you’re grieving while giving yourself the space, compassion, and care you deserve.
1| Give Yourself Permission to Feel
Holidays naturally come with a bag full of mixed emotions—nostalgia, joy, sadness, and even anger. You don’t need to suppress these feelings or “fake it” to make others more comfortable. Take moments to check in with yourself and acknowledge whatever comes up.
2| Honor Your Loved One Through Small Rituals
Keeping your loved one’s memory alive can bring a sense of connection and comfort. Small, meaningful rituals allow you to honor them in a way that feels right for you. You can:
Light a candle in their honor during a meal
Make their favorite dish or dessert and share stories as you enjoy it
Play their favorite holiday song or movie
Simple gestures like these can remind you that your loved one is still part of your holiday, even in their absence.
3| Set Boundaries That Protect Your Energy
Family gatherings, traditions, and expectations can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. It’s okay to protect your energy and say “no” to anything that feels too heavy. You can say something like, “Thank you for inviting me, but I need to take things slow this year. I hope you understand.” Or, if you decide you want to try to attend, plan an exit strategy ahead of time. That way, you can feel confident leaving early if you need to.
4| Let God of Guilt Around Changing Traditions
It’s completely normal to feel guilty when traditions change or you decide to skip certain activities. Remind yourself that adapting traditions doesn’t mean you’re forgetting your loved one. It means you’re honoring what you need right now. Instead of thinking, “every year we did this,” try “we often did this, and I can do it next year if I want.” Saying no to a tradition this year doesn’t mean saying no to it forever.
5| Find Small Moments of Comfort and Joy
Grief and joy can coexist. Allowing yourself small moments of comfort, peace, or even laughter doesn’t mean you’ve “moved on”—it means you’re human. Whether it’s watching a favorite movie, walking around to look at lights, or spending time with someone who understands, make space for moments that nourish you.
Want some more support?
If you’re looking for compassionate guidance to navigate grief this holiday season, my new guide, Grieving Through the Holidays, is here to help!
Inside my comprehensive guide, you’ll find:
Journal prompts to help process your thoughts and feelings as they arise
Scripts to help you communicate your boundaries with friends and family
Practical tips for navigating traditions and creating new ones
Affirmations to stay grounded and encouraged throughout the season
Ideas for honoring your loved one in meaningful ways
I wanted you to have a way to not only “get through” the season, but navigate through it with compassion and gentleness. I know you’ll find it to be a safe space.
Click here to get the guide now while it’s on sale for just $4.97!
And remember, you don’t have to “push through” or hide your grief this holiday season. By honoring your loved one and caring for yourself, you can create a more manageable and meaningful season. You’re not alone in this journey.
