What to Know When Facing the First Holiday Season Without Your Loved One

The holidays are known for familiar traditions with the people you love, but if you’re grieving, you may not know what to expect when it comes time to celebrate.

Will your family still gather even though an important member is no longer with you? What will it be like to have an empty seat at the table? Are you still going to find joy, even while grieving?

There are a lot of unknowns you’ll have to face this first Christmas season without your Loved One. While everyone’s experience with grief during the holidays is unique, there are certain things you should keep in mind to help you prepare:

Traditions Will Change

The simple fact is that traditions you used to share with your Loved One won’t be the same after they’ve died—but that doesn’t mean you have to stop them entirely. Continuing your favorite festivities can provide a sense of comfort and allow you to keep your Loved One’s memory alive. For example, even though you won’t be baking cookies together this year, continue making them yourself or with another family member and give what you bake as gifts to neighbors and friends.

The Joy of the Season Will Feel Different

Christmas carols are full of people singing about the joy of the season, but that isn’t always easy to feel when you’re dealing with the death of someone you love. That’s okay. If the bright lights and parties of the holidays aren’t making you happy, try to find a different way to experience your own kind of joy this season. Maybe that’s staying in and watching home videos of your Loved One while drinking cocoa, or maybe that’s calling an old friend to catch up. Whatever you do, try to find a little joy each day in your own way.

Your Grief May be Amplified

Everything feels a little more amplified during the holiday season—including grief. Even if you thought you had started to heal from the loss, your grief may feel heavier during this time of year. That’s to be expected when you’re surrounded by other families celebrating and constant reminders of your late Loved One.

When you feel the grief begin to grow, take a deep breath and remember that you’re not alone. If you need a little help with this, consider wearing Fingerprint Jewelry. Each time you touch the lines and grooves of your Loved One’s fingerprint on your piece, you’ll know that they are still near.

It’s Okay to Take Time for Yourself

Your holiday doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—what matters the most is that you take the time to take care of yourself. Make sure you’re prioritizing self-care during the holidays by scheduling time to exercise, eat well, and tend to your mental health—even if that means RSVP’ing no to an event you aren’t feeling up to. Your friends and family will understand.

You May Need to Seek Help

There’s no shame in asking for help. The first holiday season after losing a Loved One is hard and you may need to talk to someone about what you’re going through. Think about reaching out to a support group, therapist, or even a friend who has been through this before. Talking to trusted people about your Loved One and how you’re navigating this new time without them can provide you with the reassurance and practical help you need to thrive.

There are Still Reasons to Celebrate

It’s common for grieving family members and friends to feel guilty for enjoying the holiday season after their close Loved One has died, but remember that your Loved One would have wanted you to be happy. Sure, this season will feel different than any other, but you can still find ways to celebrate in your own way.

We’re thinking of you and wishing you abundant peace and comfort this holiday season.

More Resources Like This

Grief Support During the Holidays

6 Christmas Traditions that Honor Someone Who Died

Overwhelmed by Grief at Christmas? Here’s What You Can Do to Feel Better