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 makes 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