Holidays are some of the roughest terrains we navigate after a loss.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to handle the holidays in grief. You get to decide what is right for you, and you have every right to change your mind, even a few times.   

Be gentle with yourself.

There are many ways to externalize the loss and to give it a time and a place.

• Say a prayer about your loved one before a holiday dinner.
• Light a candle for your loved one.
• Create an online tribute for them.
• Share a favorite story about your loved one.
• Have everyone share a favorite memory or story about your loved one.
• Chat online about them.  

Try the holidays in a new way. Grief uniquely permits us to evaluate what parts of the holidays we enjoy and don’t.  

Whatever you experience, remember that sadness is allowed because grief, as they say, doesn’t take a holiday.