Hope and the Holidays

 

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

The holidays are a difficult time to grieve.  Feelings of loss are often magnified, but there are things we can do to help ourselves:

• Be gentle to yourself.  Make choices about what you can or can't do this year.  Give yourself permission to do things differently.  You don't have to make the same choices the next year.
  
  
• Communicate your choices with family and friends -- especially those who are affected by them.
  
  
• Support your loved ones.  Acknowledge that everyone is experiencing loss.  Don't hold it in; share your feelings and memories.
  
  
• Collaborate with family members to discuss the best way to meet everyone's needs.  Respect each other's choices, and consider compromises so family members can deal with the loss in their own way.
  
  
• Recognize your loved one's presence in the family.  Rituals such as lighting a special candle, sharing stories, or setting a place at the table for your loved one brings them into the holiday season with you and keeps their memory alive.

Tips to Help Children Cope with Grief During the Holidays

Children may have big questions:

Will we still have Christmas or Hanukkah?
Will we put up decorations?
Is it okay to feel happy?

Children may feel guilty about looking forward to a holiday.  Because you seem sad, they may think that they should be sad too.  They may want to avoid the holiday entirely.

You Can Help:

1. Talk about your plans.  You can relieve stress for children if everyone knows what to expect.
   
   
2. Share memories... even through the tears.  Let them know that it is alright to say the person's name and talk about them.
   
   
3. Get children involved in your plans.  Helping with decorating, making crafts, or cooking will give them a sense of control.
   
   
4. Children need to be hugged, held and cuddled, and know there will always be someone to love and care for them.

Taking the First Step

Each November we offer two special Hope and the Holidays presentations for family members of Pikes Peak Hospice patients.  These presentations are also open to the public for a small fee.  Pre-registration is required. 

2012 sessions are:
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 8, 2012, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

For additional information or to access services, please call (719) 633-3400 and ask to speak with a Grief Counselor, or contact us by submitting our website form.