SUSAN GUTTRIDGE, BC MC, CCC
  • Home
  • Susan Guttridge
  • Services
  • Courses
  • The Book
  • Contact
  • Calm Unfolding
  • First Responder Network

Calm Unfolding

A Blog by Susan Guttridge, EMDR Certified Therapist

Navigating Grief During the Holidays

12/17/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
As the holidays approach and the stores become busier,  so too can our minds as we reflect on what’s missing. The holidays have a way of making any loss feel more recent—perhaps because Christmas is full of sensory-laden memories that activate deep feelings of sadness and longing. And for many, this season brings up memories of family traditions that may no longer exist and loved ones who helped create them but are no longer here.

If you are grieving the loss of someone you love, the holidays can serve as a painful reminder of their absence. It’s okay to feel apprehensive, find yourself reminiscing, or feeling sad this time of year. The expectation of joy and togetherness can feel heavy when you’re experiencing grief, loss, estrangement, or other challenges.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself permission to grieve in your own way. You are not alone in this experience. Please consider these thoughts and suggestions as you navigate the holiday season:

What You are Feeling is Valid:

It’s okay to feel sad, angry, lonely, or any other emotion that arises. You don’t have to force yourself to feel happy if you’re not. Grief is not linear, and emotions will come and go like waves. Let them move through you without judgment.

Meet Overwhelm with Care:

The holidays often amplify feelings of loss. Set your expectations for this, and prepare to care for yourself in those moments.
  • Pause and Breathe: When emotions feel overwhelming, take a moment to grounding yourself. Take a slow breath in through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale fully through your mouth. As you breathe, notice five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
  • Meet Yourself with Kindness: Remind yourself that grief is normal. Instead of feeling ashamed or frustrated, treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a close friend.

Set Realistic Expectations:

The holidays will likely bring highs and lows. It’s normal for grief to come and go unpredictably. Give yourself permission to experience the season as it is—not as the media depicts it.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. It’s okay to step back, take breaks, or let some traditions go for now.

Honour the Loss by Creating Meaningful Moments:

Finding small ways to honour the person you’re missing can provide comfort and connection:
  • Share a favourite story or memory with someone you trust or write about it
  • Cook their favourite meal or savour a snack/dessert they enjoyed
  • Light a candle or hang a special ornament to symbolize their presence in your heart
  • Spend time in nature or in a quiet space, reflecting on the love you shared
These gestures can feel bittersweet, and that’s okay. Let them be both tender and healing.

Care for Yourself:

Grief impacts our heart, mind, and body. Be intentional about tending to your care:
  • Rest: Allow yourself moments of quiet and stillness when you need them
  • Nourishment: Choose healthy foods that comfort and sustain you - even small meals can support your energy. Stay hydrated
  • Movement: A short walk or gentle stretch can help shift stagnant feelings and clear your mind
  • Reflection: If you find peace in spiritual practices, light a candle, offer a prayer, or look up at the stars. Imagine your loved one’s presence in the beauty of the world around you.

Lean in to Connection & Support:

Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to manage it alone.
  • Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or support group and share how you’re feeling—even if it’s just a saying, “This is really hard for me”
  • If physical connection isn’t possible, seek out online communities where others share similar experiences. Knowing you’re not alone in your grief can lighten the emotional load
If you know someone who’s grieving, remember that simple gestures mean the most: listening without judgment, sharing a memory, or just being present.

Know Mixed Emotions Might be Present:

Grief is complicated. Moments of joy, laughter, or peace might arise during the holidays, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten or moved on—it’s a reflection of your capacity to hold love and sorrow at the same time. You can grieve deeply and still find beauty in the present moment.

Above All Else, Be Gentle with Yourself:

The holidays won't (and rarely can...) be perfect. Allow this season to be what it is, and focus on what feels meaningful to you. Give yourself permission to feel and heal at your own pace.
​

Be kind to yourself, breathe deeply, and remember: you are not alone. Thank you for being here.
#holidaygrief #grief #Christmas #loss #grievingduringtheholidays #griefjourney #mentalwellness #griefwork #grievingprocess
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Susan Guttridge is a trauma-informed Master level Counsellor with the clinical designation of Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCPA). She has 20+ years experience providing individual and group therapy. 

    This blog is dedicated to all the incredibly courageous people who work towards self-awareness, growth, and healing in their daily lives.


    “As human beings, we are not problems waiting to be solved, but potential waiting to unfold”

    Archives

    February 2025
    December 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    March 2023
    January 2023
    April 2022
    January 2022
    July 2021
    March 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2017
    September 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    September 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    September 2012
    July 2012
    April 2011
    January 2011
    November 2010
    October 2010

    Categories

    All
    Emotion Regulation
    Mindfulness
    Mindful Parenting
    Process Of Therapy

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Susan Guttridge
  • Services
  • Courses
  • The Book
  • Contact
  • Calm Unfolding
  • First Responder Network