The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The festive season can be a time of joy and togetherness, but for those navigating the pain of grief, it can amplify feelings of loneliness and loss. Whether it’s the first Christmas after a bereavement or a recurring wave of sorrow years later, the holidays often highlight everything that is missing. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member coping with grief this Christmas, here’s some ways you can provide support and encouragement for their healing journey.

Christmas can often be full of traditions, and the absence of a loved one can make even the most joyful activities feel empty and hollow. For many, grief during the holidays isn’t just about missing someone; it’s also about the feelings of being isolated during all the celebrations and misunderstood by the people around them. The feeling of being alone in a room full of people who know and love you is real and the need to “put on a brave face” can add to the feelings of isolation and loss. 

Here are a couple of ways you can support someone grieving during Christmas (and anytime):

Acknowledge Their Grief Let them know it’s okay to feel sad. You could acknowledge that it is an especially hard time of year and ask how they are actually feeling. Remind them that they can talk to you. 

Offer Invitations, Not Pressure 🤍 Invite them to gatherings but give them the opportunity to say no without guilt. Loneliness can ease when someone feels welcome without being obligated.

Create New Traditions Together 🤍 Suggest activities that honor their loved one, such as lighting a candle, writing a letter, or placing a special decoration in their memory. These rituals can help them feel connected while grounding them in the present. We choose a candle for Daddy and light it over the Christmas period. 

Encourage Creative Practices 🤍 If they’re open to it, introduce them to creative rituals for healing. Activities like journaling, drawing oracle or tarot cards, or participating in nature-inspired workshops can provide comfort and meaning.

As someone who facilitates healing through creative rituals, I’ve seen how practices like meditation circles, reiki, and journaling can support grief. You can gently encourage your loved one to explore these practices to reconnect with themselves. A great way to do this is to suggest you go together. 

Sometimes, grief and loneliness can become overwhelming, and outside support may be necessary. Encourage your loved one to seek help if they’re struggling to cope. Bereavement support groups, solution focused therapy, or healing spaces like the ones I offer can provide compassionate guidance.

You don’t have to fix their grief; you just have to be there. A simple act of kindness, a thoughtful gesture, or a few moments of genuine listening can make a world of difference. Let your loved one know that they are not alone in their pain, even amidst the festive noise.

Christmas can be a difficult time for those navigating grief, but with empathy and compassion, it can also be a time for healing and reconnection. By offering your support and encouraging meaningful rituals, you can help those around you find moments of peace and even hope during the holidays.

If you’d like to explore tools and practices for healing or know someone who could benefit from reiki, spiritual guidance, moon circles, or creative workshops, feel free to reach out. Together, we can create space for healing and wholeness this Christmas.