Getting Through Grief During the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year are three of the most celebrated holidays towards the end of the year. Most families and friends look forward to spending time together, receiving and giving gifts. These times are wholesome and precious to most. For some families out there, times like this are a reminder of someone who has passed away, whether it be one month, one year or ten years ago.
When it comes to mourning, you say to yourself “On this holiday, my loved one usually baked cookies, this was their favorite, but without them this tradition or day no longer has its intended meaning .” The stance is rational, and both negative and positive emotions are sentimental in this grief process. Trying to get back to the safe state of comfortability will take a while. Therefore, not being in the holiday spirit during this time is understandable, even though there will be the ones who cannot relate to your emotions.
Anyone can say “Ahh, it's okay, do not be sad, it's… Christmas, and New Year is about.” Such words can feel belittling. These words are very few examples of toxic positivity. However, most of the time, these words are said for consolidation and good intent - “I know you’re not feeling so well, if you are overwhelmed or just not present, your are welcome to take time to yourself.”
Trying to keep up your spirit, especially while adjusting to that loss in the upcoming new year, can leave you feeling estranged, out of it and just not in the mood during the holiday season. The first year is troublesome to get through. In fact, 17% of Americans are still grieving at the third year mark, so it’s important to know the years that have gone by do not define the grief. Any emotion you have is completely valid and justifiable, you are obliged to have those emotions.
Angel Stewart is a blogger, she is passionate about writing content about dating and relationships, popular culture and being in your early 20s trying to figure out adulthood.
