Dealing with the loss of a loved one after the funeral service can be difficult, especially around the holidays. The bright lights and joyful tunes that surround this time of year may trigger a sense of sadness and longing. But there’s hope. Here are a few simple steps that will help make it easier to cope with your grief this holiday season.

3 Steps to Cope With Grief During the Holidays

1. Limit Holiday Events

Everyone has limits. While it’s not recommended to stay home by yourself, you don’t have to accept every holiday invitation. Carefully assess each upcoming gathering, and if there seems to be anything that might trigger painful memories, it might be best to gracefully decline. This will allow you to deal with the grief at your own pace without getting overwhelmed.

2. Create an Escape Plan

Attending holiday events can be nerve-wracking when they occur shortly after a funeral service. If you’re unsure about staying the entire time but don’t want to entirely avoid the gathering, create an escape plan. Bring your car or ask a close friend who is willing to leave the moment you’re ready to drive you. This will give you a sense of control and alleviate trepidation about the event.

3. Start a New Tradition

New traditions provide a way for family members and friends to remember the deceased. You could make their favorite meal the night before the holiday or spend a few hours volunteering at a local shelter. If there’s a place they liked to visit, make time to go there and raise a toast in their honor. Coming up with a way to treasure their memory will help you cope with the loss and ensure that they remain a part of your holiday celebrations.

If you’re looking for a way to remember a loved one this holiday season, stop by Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Crawford County, PA. They understand the importance of grief support after a funeral service, which is why they host an Annual Holiday Memorial Service and Tree of Memory Program. This year’s gathering will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, at Stone United Methodist Church. Participants are encouraged to provide an ornament with the name of the deceased so that it may be placed on the tree in their funeral home. For additional information about the funeral services they offer, call (814) 724-1021 or visit their website.