As the holiday season surrounds us, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how tender this time can feel for those who are grieving. While the world seems to move with joy, laughter, and celebration, your heart may be carrying a different rhythm—one of longing, love, and deep reflection.

The holidays are often filled with traditions, gatherings, and expectations that can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. Memories of past holidays, the absence of someone you love, or even the pressure to “put on a happy face” can add to the weight you’re already carrying. It’s important to recognize that your feelings are valid, and your experience doesn’t need to match the energy of the season.

Grief during the holidays can be uniquely challenging, and I want to remind you that it’s okay to honor your feelings and navigate this time in a way that feels right for you. There’s no “right way” to move through this season—only the way that feels most authentic to your heart and your healing journey.

I have a few suggestions below to help you find peace amidst the season’s demands.

This quote reminds us that grief is a reflection of the deep love we carry. It’s not something to fix or rush—it’s something to honor and grow with.

Upcoming Events:

If you’re looking for a supportive space to navigate the holidays, I’d love to invite you to my Heartfelt Holiday: 4-Day Grief Support Workshop Series begins on December 2nd and continues every Monday for 4 consecutive weeks.

This virtual workshop is designed to provide tools, connection, and meaningful ways to honor your grief this season.

Details:
📅 Dates: December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM CST
📍 Location: Online via Zoom
💌 Click Here for Link to Register https://livingaftergrief.com/heartfeltholiday

Learn how to carry both grief and joy into the season, and create a personalized self-care plan for the holidays.

An additional session on Monday, December 30th at 7:30 PM CST to help you feel connected and supported as you transition beyond the holiday season.

This series is designed for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Space is limited to create an intimate and supportive environment.

If you’re local, I’d love for you to join me for an in-person presentation at First Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ) Edwardsville, IL.

📅 Date: Tuesday, December 3rd
🕒 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: First Christian Church, 310 S Main, Edwardsville, IL

This talk is designed to offer practical and emotional support to those facing the challenges of grief during holiday seasons, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Teresa will cover essential strategies for managing grief, setting healthy boundaries, and exploring ways to create new traditions that both honor the memory of loved ones and foster personal healing.

Music has a way of holding us when words aren’t enough. I’d love to share this song with you:

Click Here to Play the Song

This beautiful song speaks to the love that continues to shine, even in the midst of loss. Listen to it as a moment of reflection and connection.

Tips for Navigating Grief During the Holidays

Set Boundaries: Protect Your Energy

The holiday season is often filled with invitations, traditions, and expectations that can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving. It’s okay to say no to events or activities that don’t align with where you are emotionally.

Consider these boundary-setting phrases:

“Thank you for inviting me, and I need to take this year at my own pace.”
“I appreciate the thought, and I’ll need to pass on that this time.”
“I might stop by, and I can’t stay long.”

Your emotional well-being is important. Protect your energy by focusing on what feels meaningful and manageable.

Create New Traditions: Honor and Adapt

Holidays are often filled with traditions that can feel painful when someone is missing. Instead of forcing yourself to engage in traditions that no longer feel right, consider creating new ones that bring comfort and honor your loved one.

Here are some ideas:

Light a candle in their memory and place it at the center of your holiday gathering.
Make their favorite dish and share a story about them as you enjoy it.
Start a new tradition, like writing a letter to your loved one or donating to a cause they cared about.
Create a “memory box” where you and family members can place written notes or small mementos that remind you of them.

New traditions don’t replace the old—they create space for healing and connection in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Allow All Emotions: Embrace the Fullness of Grief

Grief is not linear, and the holidays often bring a mix of emotions—sadness, joy, longing, guilt, and even unexpected moments of laughter. Allow yourself to feel it all without judgment.

You might find yourself crying during a holiday song or laughing at a cherished memory of your loved one—and both are okay. Emotions are part of the healing process, and each one deserves acknowledgment. There’s no need to “fix” your feelings. Simply let them flow and know that they are a reflection of your love.

Lean on Support: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Grief can feel isolating, especially during the holidays. Surround yourself with people who understand and can hold space for your emotions. This might be family members, friends, a grief support group or a grief specialist.

If you feel alone in your grief, consider:

Reaching out to a trusted friend to share how you’re feeling.
Joining a local or virtual support group where others are navigating similar journeys.
Letting someone close to you know what you need, even if it’s as simple as sitting quietly together.

Remember, you don’t have to carry your grief alone. Leaning on others can be a source of comfort and strength.

The holidays are not about perfection or “getting it right”—they are about connection, whether that’s with others, with your loved one’s memory, or with yourself. Grief doesn’t have to fit neatly into the season’s expectations. It can coexist with love, reflection, and even small moments of joy.

Take this season one moment at a time, trusting yourself to honor your grief in the way that feels most true to you. Whether through journaling, music, or reaching out, may you find moments of peace and connection in the coming weeks. And always remember, you are never alone on this journey.

“My mission is to work with compassionate grieving women to navigate their path of grief, fostering resilience and finding clarity and understanding in their journey. My role as a Grief Resilience Specialist is to support them in reclaiming their freedom to live fully and to cultivate a deeper sense of trust in themselves as they move through the healing process."

When you are ready, here are a few more ways I can empower you on your grief journey: