Tools & Resources

The holiday season is often accompanied with family gatherings, festivities, and feelings of joy. But for someone who has lost a loved one and is grieving, this time of year can evoke feelings of sadness and loneliness.

In Episode 2 of our What’s Important to You? podcast, “Managing Holiday Blues”, we interviewed our Director of Bereavement Care, Kip Ingram. While this was recorded prior to COVID-19, the challenges of today have made this content more relevant. Kip shared with us his personal experience with grief, and practical tips to help people get through the first holiday without their loved one:

Think ahead about what you want to do, and how you want to connect with family and friends

Communicate with others about your wishes

Let family know what sounds okay and when you might need to pull away for rest.

Recognize your limits, accepting that this year may feel different

Let yourself be self-indulgent – doing things that are comforting and soothing to you

• Watching a movie or TV series
• Eating a favorite meal
• Calling a friend
• Going out for a walk
• Doing a favorite hobby

As Kip says, “the point is not to be perfect when you are grieving through the holidays, the point is to get through them okay. So, do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and when you get through, recognize that achievement and find some small way to reward yourself.”

Listen to the full podcast episode here, and let us know your thoughts.