Grief and the Holidays

What To Say to a Grieving Person during the Holidays

During the holiday season, grief can be even more daunting. What do I say to my friend/patient/member who is sad about a death this holiday season?

It can be helpful to say: "You Have Options"

Grief constricts. It can feel tight. Like you are tied up. 

But holidays present opportunities. While most people dread the first year full of holidays, we also have the option to remember the person who has died purposefully. Giving the griever options is a loving act that can set them free.

They could:
1. Purchase an ornament to remember their loved one
2. Have a moment of silence to remember them at a family event
3. Adopt one of the traditions that person enjoyed (they could make the pie this year)
4. Go to a "Blue Christmas" service or another memorial service that remembers those who have died
5. Make a charitable contribution in their memory
6. Decide it's okay to forgo past traditions this year

Giving grieving people options might be the best gift they get this year.

My good friend, Dr. Jon Swanson, wrote on this topic recently, too. Click here for his blog.