Thank you for all your likes, shares, and comments! These tidbits of grief support definitely seem to have struck a common chord with many of you, and we hope they helped this year and in holidays to come. To make it easy for you to return to our holiday grief tips in one quick click I’m dropping all twelve right … Continue reading The 12 Days of Holiday Grief
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Twelve
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Find joy in the things you’re thankful for. Feeling happy does not mean you don’t miss your friend or family member, and is nothing to feel guilty about. It’s likely that the person you lost would actually prefer you be happy rather than spending the holiday in constant grief … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Twelve
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eleven
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Meaningful touch is an essential part of human communication. Support can be expressed and received through a pat on the shoulder, holding a hand, or embracing. The physical and psychological benefits of touch are well documented and simple contact can, in a very real way, remind others that they’re … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eleven
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Ten
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. You will not ruin Christmas if you cry. Grief carries with it a lot of emotion and the holidays are meant to be an emotional time of year—go ahead, cry. Give other people permission to cry too. Many times the best support you can give a crying person is … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Ten
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Nine
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Your friends and family are genuinely concerned about how you are doing. Prepare specific answers for questions like, “how are you holding up,” and “is there anything I can do to help?” Consider how your answers will be different if you’re asked by an acquaintance, relative, or best friend. … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Nine
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Eight
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. This is a tough one. Take some time to consider the moments you’ll miss your lost friend or family member the most. Is there a special holiday tradition of which they were an integral part? If you think of these specific moments in private, you’ll likely be better prepared for those moments when they happen. But remember, it’s okay to get emotional when they do.
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Seven
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Holiday celebrations are steeped in tradition and ceremony. For your holiday gathering, plan a memorial activity in which everyone can participate. This could be as simple as lighting a candle and sharing a prayer, or can be as involved as making personalized memorial tree ornaments. Traditions like these can … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Seven
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Six
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. We all know that over time memories start to fade. While the holiday memories of your lost family member or friend are still vivid in your mind, set aside some time to write them down. If a holiday memory strikes you unexpectedly make a reminder note in your phone … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Six
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Five
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Many times people you see at social events will avoid bringing up your lost friend or family member. Generally this is not because they want to forget or ignore the person who died, but rather are afraid of upsetting you. If you talk about your loved one first, … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Five
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Four
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Get some good sleep. Ideally 7+ hours per night. If thoughts of grief make falling or staying asleep difficult at night, do your best to plan some afternoon rest-time in your schedule (there’s no shame in taking naps). Many physical and psychological benefits of getting enough sleep are well documented … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Four
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Three
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Shopping for holiday gifts can be a reminder of the one person that you won’t be buying for this year. Rather than leaving them off your list, buy them a gift. While doing your holiday shopping, buy a gift for your lost friend or family member. Find something that … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Three
The 12 Days of Grief – Day Two
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. Include in your holiday decorations a special area that features framed pictures (even better if they’re holiday pictures) of your absent friend or family member. Keep in mind that others may be feeling grief this holiday, even if the death took place years ago. So, when you host holiday gatherings, … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day Two
The 12 Days of Grief – Day One
See all the Days of Holiday Grief here. If you’re experiencing grief this holiday season, you don’t need to do it all. Shopping, parties, baking, wrapping, sending cards…it can all catch up with you. Looking at your calendar, make a list of all the things you’re planning to do this season, then cross out all the things you … Continue reading The 12 Days of Grief – Day One
The Grief Flux Capacitor
If you remember the 80’s you probably remember a blockbuster movie called “Back to the Future.” In that movie there’s a scene when Doc Brown tells Marty about bumping his head and and suddenly getting the idea for the time travel engine, the flux capacitor! “Taelor, what in the world does this have to do … Continue reading The Grief Flux Capacitor
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