The holidays can be a joyous time filled with memorable moments with family and friends. For those dealing with loss, however, the holidays can trigger much sadness.
It is important to remember that you are not alone and that resources are available to help you through the emotional highs and lows of this time.
Taylor McIntosh, Community Support Lead with Hospice Georgian Triangle, says, “We all experience grief differently, and we all heal differently, too. When grieving during the holidays, we can learn to be mindful of our feelings and find what’s right for us in each moment.”
Experts suggest allowing yourself to feel challenging emotions, such as sadness, rage, or disappointment. Feelings that go unacknowledged and unexpressed often build up. The stress of the holiday season may exacerbate this, leaving you feeling a range of negative emotions.
Hospice Georgian Triangle is here to help, offering support, including individual and group counselling services.
If you’re in Collingwood, the Town of the Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach or Clearview and seek support, join the Grief and The Holidays Drop-in Group. This group provides a supportive environment to explore and cope with the unique challenges of grieving during the festive season.
In addition to this resource, we are sharing some helpful tips to help you get through the holidays if you need support this year.
How do grieving persons navigate these occasions?
“Allowing yourself to be sad, tearful, upset and angry is okay,” says grief and bereavement counsellor Taylor McIntosh. “It is part of the grieving process, and ultimately, the intensity and frequency of these emotions will lessen with time and help you feel better.”
At Hospice Georgian Triangle, Taylor leads a group of professional counsellors and volunteer advisors providing grief and bereavement counselling. Last January alone, there were 150 persons, young and old, in group and individual sessions — a time of heightened emotions for many.
“For the holidays, do something that makes you feel connected to your lost loved one to honour and include them in the day, " says Taylor. “Tap into your senses. For example, play music you enjoy together. By intentionally doing things like this and recalling traditions, you will feel connected.”
Taylor has five tips to help grieving persons navigate these special but rocky special occasions.
- Go somewhere the two of you shared good memories. It could be a drive up the escarpment or a snowshoe along the escarpment.
- Put out a favourite photo of your loved one and light a candle.
- Write your loved one a holiday card or simply a note or a letter.
- Cook your favourite meal or order food that you enjoyed together.
- Share a favourite memory at the dinner table during a holiday meal with friends and family.
We hope that you have taken some helpful advice from this article and that you enjoy a lovely holiday season. Remember, Hospice Georgian Triangle is here to support you in times of heightened need. All of their services are offered free of charge to patients and families, thanks to the generosity of their donors.
For more on Hospice Georgian Triangle’s grief and bereavement programs, visit their website today.
Support the Hospice Georgian Triangle
Hospice Georgian Triangle provides compassionate care at Campbell House and the community for individuals with life-limiting illness and their families in the Town of the Blue Mountains, Collingwood, Clearview Township and Wasaga Beach.
Care programs come at no cost to the user and focus on the physical, emotional and mental well-being of the patient, family and caregivers, enhancing the quality of life.
Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation's purpose is to raise the funds that allow Hospice Georgian Triangle to provide exceptional hospice palliative care and community programming.