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Helping a Grieving Loved One During the Holidays

The holiday season is a special time of year marked by festive celebrations and gatherings with family and friends, but it can also be a difficult time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  Often, friends and family members of those affected by a loss are unsure how to act or what to say to support their loved ones during the holidays. 

Here are some practical tips for how to help: 

  • Be supportive of how the person chooses to handle the holidays.  Some may wish to follow traditions; others may choose to change their rituals. 

  • When offering to help, be specific.  Offer to help with baking, cleaning, preparing and mailing holiday cards or decorating.    

  • Offer to help with holiday shopping or share catalogs or on-line shopping sites that may be helpful.

  • Invite your friend to attend a religious service with you and your family or to join you at your home for the holidays.

  • Donate a gift or money in memory of your friend’s loved one.  Remind the person that his or her loved on is not forgotten.

  • If he or she wants to talk about the deceased loved one or feelings associated with the loss, LISTEN.  This can be important part of helping someone to heal.  Don’t worry about being conversational…. just listen. 

  • Remind the person you are thinking of him or her and the loved one who died.  Cards, phone calls and visits are great ways to stay in touch.

  • Ask if your friend is interested in volunteering with you during the holiday season.  Doing something for someone else, such as helping at soup kitchens or working with children, may help your loved one feel better about the holidays. 

  • Never tell someone that he or she should be “over it.”  Instead, give the person hope that, eventually, he or she will enjoy the holidays again.

If you, or a loved one, are struggling with grief and loss, the Hospice Program of Franklin County Home Health Agency offers bereavement services to anyone in the community.   A Grief & Recovery Support Group is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Health office in St. Albans. 

For more information, please call Franklin County Home Health Agency at (802) 527-7531.

 

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Updated: 06/24/2011