Holiday Grief Tips with Kristen Riecke
The Holidays are filled with reminders of loved ones who have died. That can be both comforting and distressing.
Follow along in the coming weeks for a series on holiday grief, provided by my wife and co-author, Kristen Riecke.
(She's always been the festive one!)
Grief during the Holidays - Tip #1 - Prepare
The holidays offer an opportunity for connection, tradition, and the creation of sweet memories with loved ones. However, when someone has died, this season can bring conflicting emotions of joy and sorrow, comfort and distress. In the upcoming weeks, I will share ten ways to honor your loved one and navigate your grief during this holiday season.
Let's start with the first step - preparation. Take a moment of calm in your day to pull out your calendar. Look ahead to the actual dates you can anticipate. While we can't predict how grief will hit us, setting healthy boundaries can help protect your heart.
Consider declining to host the annual event this year or telling others that you appreciate the invitation but will decide based on how you feel that day. If an event requires commitment, it's best to decline early and proactively find positive ways to fill that void in your calendar.
Anticipatory grief is real and normal. As you look forward to the holiday season, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge that special times will never be the same without your loved one. However, this doesn't mean you can't still find comfort and joy in the holidays. In fact, it may be a soothing balm to your broken heart as you choose to protect yourself and work to keep the memory of your loved one alive in new and meaningful ways.
P.S. Do you know someone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss? Buy them a copy of No Matter How Small: Understanding Miscarriage and Stillbirth today on Amazon!
