Coping with loss is never easy. When it comes to the holiday season, though, grief can be especially difficult to bear. Recent research shows around 13 million people in the UK battle with mental well-being challenges at this time of year.
The festive period for many people is a time of joy and celebration. For those who are coping with grief, though, it can be an ongoing struggle. UK funeral directors understand how difficult it often is for those who have lost loved ones to participate in festivities. Our advice is to find strength in togetherness and support each other to get through holiday grief.
Avoid Guilty Thoughts
When we give funeral advice, we tell mourners to try not to feel guilty for enjoying themselves. After losing a loved one, it’s often hard to smile or laugh without feeling bad. Remember that having fun is allowed, so try to have the best time that you can. Your loved one would want you to look forward to the celebration.
Treat Yourself With Kindness
Coping with loss is hard at the best of times. If you’re making funeral arrangements around the holiday season, though, it can be even harder. It’s especially challenging to deal with such upsetting matters with a background of jolly music and fairy lights. That’s why it’s so important to treat yourself kindly.
Take a break from the relentless festivities to do whatever you need to do to take the pressure off. Buy a gift for yourself, spend the day in bed, listen to a grief-related podcast, or eat a box of chocolates. Do anything that helps reduce the burden of grief for a while.
Try Something Different
After your loved one’s funeral service, it can feel impossible to go on and have your traditional Christmas. Doing everything as you used to may be too strong a reminder right now of what you’ve lost. Don’t feel pressured into trying to keep things normal. Try something different instead.
You may want to take a holiday overseas to take your mind off your grief. Or maybe you’d like to volunteer with a charity on the big day itself. Doing something completely out of the ordinary may help you get through this challenging time more easily.
Accept Help And Ask For Support
As providers of funeral services, we advise mourners to never be afraid to ask for some support. Coping with loss is never something to go through alone. There are plenty of sources of help out there.
You should reach out to friends and family members who can rally around you. You can also seek counselling services or call bereavement helplines, which can advise you and talk you through your grief. Some useful resources include:
- Your GP
- The Samaritans
- Cruse Bereavement Support
Arranging Funeral Services During The Festive Period
When a loved one passes away during the holiday period, finding compassionate, caring funeral services is key. As trusted funeral directors, we’re on hand to help you at this difficult time. Contact us to find out more about us and to get the guidance, advice, and support you need.