Our December Newsletter: How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays

? "Life tossed us up into the air, scattered us, and we all somehow found our way back. And we will do it again. And again." - Alexandra Bracken?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could put grief on hold for the holiday season??

Grief is complex and different for everyone. While acceptance can grow over time, the sense of loss often stays with us forever.

Grief evolves, often feeling beyond our control, and there’s no “pause” button to press. This can make it especially challenging to manage loss when joy and celebration are all around. However, there are ways to alleviate some of that conflict. If you or someone you know is navigating grief during the holiday season, the following are some supportive suggestions to help make this period more manageable. ?

"Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim" - Vicki Harrison ?

1. Set Boundaries for Holiday Gatherings.?

Participate in events only to the extent that it feels right for you. You may feel pressure to attend various gatherings, but it’s essential to check in with your needs and only commit when you feel ready. Consider trying events with the understanding that you can leave at any time. It’s equally okay to decline certain activities altogether. Striking a balance between engaging and honoring your limits is key. 2. Recognize and Accept Your Emotions?

Grief doesn’t take a back seat during the holidays; in fact, it can be amplified. Give yourself permission to experience all of your emotions, both positive and negative, without judgment. Remember that it’s possible to miss someone and still enjoy the holiday. Avoiding alcohol or other substances to cope can help you stay connected to your emotions in a healthy way. 3. Plan Ahead to Fill Empty Roles?

If a loss has left certain holiday roles unfilled, it may help to plan ahead (especially for children’s sake) and consider who might take on these roles. For example, if a loved one always carved the turkey or dressed as Santa, having a plan can help create a smoother, more comforting experience.

4. Preserve Old Traditions & Honor Memories

Continuing traditions can be a comforting way to honor and remember those who are no longer with us. Keeping these rituals alive allows their memory to remain present and celebrated.

5. Establish New Traditions

Creating new traditions can be a healing process. Making new memories doesn’t replace old ones but allows for growth. Remind yourself that your loved one would want you to find joy in the holidays. Allow yourself to challenge any guilt that may arise as you create these new traditions. 6. Identify Coping Techniques?

Having a list of go-to coping skills can be helpful. These might include deep breathing, taking a walk, journaling, listening to music, practicing yoga, or using affirmations. Having these tools ready can be comforting when emotions hit unexpectedly. 7. Consider Volunteering or Giving Back?

Helping others can lift your spirits and bring happiness to those in need. Giving back to your community can be a fulfilling way to find purpose during the holidays.?

8. Seek Support When You Need It?

Lean on friends, family, or coworkers, and seek professional support if needed. The holidays can bring up complex emotions, and it’s entirely normal to reach out to a therapist or counselor for additional support.

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Conclusion?

The holiday season may not feel as cheerful as you’d like, and that’s completely understandable. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this time of year after a loss. Allow yourself to experience happiness when it comes and be present with those around you. Be gentle with yourself and take it one gathering, one feeling at a time.

We wish you peace and comfort this holiday season.

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This newsletter contains excerpts from Dr. Tali Berliner, psychologist and expert in cognitive-behavioral therapy at The Psychology Group Fort Lauderdale.?

Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Grief Support?

Support Through the Holidays and Beyond?

The holiday season can be especially challenging for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one. To provide comfort and guidance, we offer expert insights and practical tips on navigating grief. Sign up for our following free email support programs to receive a daily touchpoint that can make a difference.

For those needing daily encouragement, our?365 Days of Healing?program delivers supportive messages directly to your inbox. Grief doesn’t end with the funeral, and our daily emails offer a comforting way to process emotions, one day at a time.? 52 Weeks of Support?is our free weekly newsletter, sharing insights, quotes, and gentle messages to help you support someone during the first year of loss.

Subscribe today on our website: Grief Support

In The Community?

Our team was thrilled to participate and celebrate the opening of this year’s Homes for the Holidays Pop-Up Shop, proudly sponsored by Hulse, Playfair & McGarry.

Proceeds supported Hospice Care Ottawa ?

This year’s Jewish National Fund of Canada's Negev Gala was truly unforgettable

The event raised funds for the Parenthood Home for Family Therapy in Sderot, Israel. It was an inspiring evening celebrating community and generosity—a powerful reminder of how collective support drives meaningful initiatives that strengthen communities both near and far.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Boucher, Vice President of Commercial & Residential Fuels at MacEwen Petroleum; Patrick McGarry, our Hulse, Playfair & McGarry COO; and Funeral Preplanning Counselor Anna Silvermann.