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The loss of a friend or family member is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences a person can go through. At certain times, such as when making funeral arrangements or during the holidays, memories and associations come into sharp focus and serve as a reminder of happy times spent with your loved one. The emotional impact can also be overwhelming, and it’s important that you find ways to deal with your grief. As the holidays approach, you may wish to consider these strategies as a coping mechanism.

How to Cope With Your Grief Over a Lost Loved One During the Holiday Season 

1. Accept Your Emotions 

The holiday season triggers a number of emotions, and it can bring joy and laughter as well as sadness and loneliness. Try not to convince yourself that you should only be feeling one way or the other, because you may end up feeling guilty when it doesn’t work out that way. Just like when you were going through the funeral arrangements, try to accept that your feelings will seem erratic or out of control from time to time. Allowing yourself to experience the full range of emotions will aid the healing process and allow you to move forward. 

2. Write a Letter to Your Loved One

funeral arrangementsIf you need a way to channel your feelings, write a letter to the loved one you have lost. You could write about the times that you enjoyed together and what you loved about them. You might also tell them things you wish you had said when they were alive, or keep things light and chatty by bringing them up to speed with what has been going on in your life. Another option is to write an obituary, which you could read to family and friends. Sharing your emotions is a cathartic process that helps you to cope with some of the daunting challenges of grief.

3. Focus on Specific Tasks 

The holiday period is a busy time, and there is always something going on that you could put energy into instead of concentrating on your grief. Allowing yourself to get on with normal tasks is in no way disrespectful to the person you have lost, and it will help with the healing process. Specific tasks you could complete during the holidays include picking out decorations, preparing the house, buying gifts, and running to the grocery store for food. If you want to remember your loved one while being involved in the normal holiday experience, try cooking some food they liked or adding a tribute to them into your decorations.

 

When you’re grieving for a loved one, it’s important to get the right support. Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA, has provided a family-run service since 1900, providing you with a knowledgeable, reliable, and compassionate team to help you in this difficult time. They deliver personalized funeral arrangements to ensure that you honor your loved one as you wish to. To talk to them in detail about your requirements, call (814) 724-1021 or visit their website

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