Navigating Grief During the Holiday Season: A Journey from Mourning to Joy

Do these sentiments reflect your feelings? “After (my loved one) died, I don’t have the energy to ‘do’ the holidays.” “Everyone is merry and bright, but I’m feeling blue!” “I can’t deal with all the holiday songs, lights, parties, movies, decorations, gifts, it’s all too overwhelming!” “I just want to skip the holidays this year!”

Traditionally, the holidays are a time to gather with family and friends, yet for individuals experiencing the death of a loved one grief overshadows the season. Although different, the holidays are manageable! Here’s how!

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, provide pastoral care, serve as a mental health therapist, grief counselor or offer bereavement support groups, we invite you to join us at this interactive workshop focused on helping grievers navigate the holidays from mourning to joy. Strategies on coping with grief in particular during difficult moments, for instance a Holiday Survival Kit including 16 tips and a 12 Days of Christmas Survival Kit designed for self-care will be presented. The day features opportunities to create new holiday rituals and traditions, identify ways to seek comfort and support, and explore continued bonds.

Gae Savino, LCSW, CT, a NYS Licensed clinical social worker and seasoned death, dying and bereavement counselor, will lead the workshop offering grievers hope, comfort and support. The absence of the person’s presence and their memories are constant reminders of loss, particularly in the first year after a death. The holiday season is going to be different, yet let’s learn how to navigate grief from mourning to joy with tangible positive self-care coping skills and strategies.