Overcoming Grief over the Death of a Loved One During the Christmas Season

Of the many strong blows life throws at us, losing a loved one through death is probably one of the most difficult challenges we are forced to cope with. Left with no choice but to confront the reality of having to move on without that special someone, we are assaulted by a barrage of thoughts and memories that drag us down to the depths of fear, anxiety, and depression. Faced with shouldering the burden of accumulated memories we cling to, combined with the loneliness that comes with our grief, we may find ourselves helpless and alone in our ordeal. Hence, it comes as no surprise why some of us who have gone through this painful experience are unable to lift themselves out of the pit of sorrow. What more during the Christmas season when the world dons a cheerful smile, celebrating the joy of living life with friends and family.

The stark contrast between the warm loving, and festive atmosphere of the yuletide seasons and the loneliness that engulfs us after the passing of our loved one can be so great that it can break us. Such is the difficulty of handling this terrible emotional burden that yielding to the urge of literally ending life by means of suicide is more popularly viewed as the easiest way out of misery. But does it really end there?

No. As painful and difficult as it is, moving on to find meaning in living a life without our loved one in the picture is imperative for all of us. Shutting out the beauty of life after a tragic loss or experience is worse than mortal death. Below are some helpful suggestions to help us find life again and cope with our grief, especially during Christmas time.

The closer we are to our loved one, the more our lives are entwined with that person, the greater the difficulty of overcoming grief and loneliness. The key is to keep striving to develop the quality of our personal lives despite our pain. As such, overcoming grief overnight is not possible, especially if our identity is enmeshed with our loved one. Learning to stand up after such a terrible blow takes persistence, patience, concentrated conscious effort, and time.

Never cut out the other people in your life. Go out and enjoy the yuletide season in the company of other persons who matter to you. Be appreciative of the precious time you have been given to share with them.

Do not deny your loneliness and grief. Putting on a mask of pretense or coldness and detachment would do you no good at all. Spill your thoughts and feelings by confiding in someone you trust.

Get involved with life. Do not isolate yourself from the rest of the world and wallow in your pain alone. Doing this would only drag you deeper into your misery.

Never succumb to the urge to do negative self-talk. Boost your own spirits by keeping your mind focused on the brighter side of things.

Avoid being alone and listless by working out a schedule whereby you get to do fun, enjoyable activities catering to your personal interests.

Engage in interesting and absorbing activities that you can do in the company of others.

Seek solace and comfort in the natural therapeutic powers of mother nature—take a walk, jog by the seashore, etc. Taking the time to delight in the beauty of nature, which we tend to bypass because of our hectic lifestyle, can help lift our spirits and make us more grateful of the beauty and wonders life has to offer.