Losing a loved one can be quite depressing. Learning how to get through every new day without them tends to be a long and painful process for most. Feelings of loss and loneliness usually become more pronounced during the holiday season, when families and friends traditionally spend a lot of time together celebrating. At Charles J. O’Shea funeral homes, we understand how emotionally taxing grieving can be during Christmas. We have put together a list of tips on how to handle grieving during the holidays.

Be Easy on Yourself

As the bereaved, the loss of a loved one hits you hard. It is important that you acknowledge this and set realistic expectations on how you are going to get through Christmas. It is okay for you to take a break and only handle the activities you can be able to, without experiencing too much emotional pain. For instance, you can leave others to handle the organisation of various celebrations or even cook. Shopping can be done from the convenience of your home as well.

Accept the Loss, Grieve

Everyone grieves differently, the main goal being to accept the loss and do all that you can to move on, one step at a time. As such, you don’t have to carry on various Christmas traditions as was the case in the past. The bereaved should be able to accept the loss and the changes that come with it. It’s hard, but it will help you find new ways of enjoying the holidays with those close to you.

Don’t Cancel Holidays

Seeing other people enjoying Christmas and the company of their loved ones can be depressing. You may also feel guilty when having fun and enjoying the holiday spirit after the death of a loved one. However, it is worth noting that don’t have to punish yourself ad cancel Christmas as a result. Remember that the deceased friend or family member would want you to continue enjoying life even after their demise.

Get Support

Getting through Christmas after the loss of a close friend or family member can be next to impossible without the support of close loved ones. This is why it is recommended that you take this opportunity to spend time with them, get closer to loved ones, and enjoy their support and company during this tough period.

Make New Traditions

One of the best ways to get through Christmas after losing a loved one is through making new traditions. After losing a loved one, Christmas is just not the same; while some people favour continuing past traditions to honour the departed, making new traditions can also be quite refreshing. You can choose which traditions to keep and which ones to change so as to enjoy Christmas with loved ones while also honouring the departed.

You can contact Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Homes for any questions regarding this subject as well as anything else concerning funerals.