Grieving During the Holidays

• Avoid what gives you the blues.

• When asked, “What can I do to help you?”…have your list.

• Acknowledge to yourself, to another, that holidays may bring emotions and memories to the surface.

• Share stories about your loved one (i.e. If….were here, you know what....would say! Remember when…)

• You may feel sad. Feelings are neither good nor bad; it’s what you do with them that make a difference.

• Re-evaluate old traditions and family rituals. Do you want to keep observing them? Want a change? A different way to celebrate?

• Plan something to look forward to on January 2…after the holidays.

• It’s OK to set limits. Let others know what you can do or don’t want to do, or how much you want to do for the holidays.

• Find opportunities for support.

• Count your blessings…make a list.

• Look for the true meaning behind the holiday.

• Slow down as best you can (inside and outside).

• Do something good for yourself at least once a day…this little treat will get you over some of the rough spots in the day.

• Take some time for prayer, meditation and sitting quietly in God’s presence. Perhaps recite Psalm 23.

Sr. Marie Micheletto, RSM
Archdiocese of Omaha