{"id":5135,"date":"2018-12-11T07:39:28","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T07:39:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/iamsignificant.ca\/andre\/?p=5135"},"modified":"2018-12-08T21:41:18","modified_gmt":"2018-12-08T21:41:18","slug":"dealing-with-grief-through-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iamsignificant.ca\/andre\/featured\/dealing-with-grief-through-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Dealing with Grief through Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christmas can be stressful - the gift buying, the busy social schedule, financial pressures. \u00a0These aside, for many people the holidays seem to make the grief we feel with the loss of a loved one\u00a0extra fresh. \u00a0This grief can certainly be a result of losing a family member or close friend to death, and it can also mean mourning the loss of a long-term relationship. \u00a0As painful as these experiences are year round, there is often a fresh sense of grief around significant holidays - especially those that are packed with the memories of family and tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is not just recent loss that brings the feelings of grief upon us; many people find the loss of a loved one of several years past might be very fresh in their hearts and minds around Christmas. \u00a0Grief is grief whether it is fresh or a couple of decades old. \u00a0The key is to recognize that it is grief you are experiencing. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grief is a natural and normal emotional response to loss.<\/strong> \u00a0The kinds of losses are varied and could include the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, the loss of a friendship, the loss of a job and financial security, loss of a pet, a failed marriage or the loss of health. \u00a0 Generally, the deeper the relationship to the loss, the more intense the feelings of grief but understand that all personal losses will generate some degree of grief. \u00a0It is important not to compare your losses to another because each loss is unique. \u00a0Just because we share a similar factual event with someone doesn't mean they know how we feel. \u00a0Each loss is unique because our relationship to our loss is unique.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Christmas can be a really tough season but with some faithful, forgiving friends and family, and some self-care you can journey through even the most difficult times. Here are a few things that can help us with\u00a0dealing with grief through Christmas.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Connect with friends and family<\/strong> - look for positive, healthy opportunities to connect live and in person with friends and family. \u00a0Face to face affords the opportunities for us to connect in deeper ways with others, and they can be effective sounding boards and sources of encouragement, acceptance, and belonging. \u00a0If face to face is not possible, pick up the phone and call a friend or a family member or two! \u00a0This may work well with good Facebook friends as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be honest about how you are feeling<\/strong> - with yourself and your friends and family. \u00a0If you are feeling down and lonely, tell your friends so. \u00a0Your friends will genuinely care and willing to help, especially if they know<\/span> you need a little extra support.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look for a Christmas day event or program<\/strong> - Often there are special events, Church services, and support group meetings on Christmas day. \u00a0These events are deliberately scheduled on Christmas day because the organizers know there are many folks who may be alone and having a tough go on Christmas. \u00a0Many of these activities can be found in a local newspaper or online.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get some exercise<\/strong> - Get out of the house go for a brisk walk - prayer walks, listen to uplifting music while you walk, ride a bike - be active and utilize other stress management techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n

Perform a Commemorative act<\/strong> - It is often helpful to recognize the loss of a loved one with something of meaning. \u00a0This may mean lighting a candle, making a financial donation or volunteering to serve others in memory of your loved one. \u00a0This helps us to connect in a meaningful way to our loved one; a demonstration of love, an active, healthy way of remembering and gives meaning to their memory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact a Support Help Line<\/strong> - If your feelings become too overwhelming, it may be a good idea to connect with a reputable Crisis Intervention Hotline where trained volunteers are standing by with a caring, attentive ear and some hands-on advice. \u00a0Check your local telephone directories, newspapers or online to find a support line for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look to God<\/strong> - Many people have a faith that they can rely upon during times of struggle. \u00a0Personally, I have found my faith in Jesus Christ to be a very effective, present source of comfort during seasons of intense challenge and grief. \u00a0I have personally found comfort through prayer and singing worshipful songs to God. \u00a0I have also found comfort in the Bible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a collection of quotes from the Bible that I have personally found encouraging, but there are many more!<\/span><\/p>\n