By Hospice of Santa Barbara
Contributed
The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions, including joy, stress, sadness, and everything in between. For those preparing to navigate the holiday season after dealing with the recent loss of a loved one, this time of year can be even more difficult.
At Hospice of Santa Barbara, we understand that grieving during the holidays is an extremely difficult situation, so we are offering tips, workshops and community events to help during the grieving process.
Below are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
– Remember that not everyone grieves in the same way, and that it’s OK to be happy. Even when you’re grieving, it’s not unusual to laugh or smile when thinking about your favorite memories.
– Ask for what you need. Others don’t know what to say or do unless you tell them what would help most.
– Think ahead of time about what the holidays will be like without your loved one. You’ll be better prepared to deal with tough situations if you think in advance about how you’ll feel, rather than getting caught off guard.
– Spend time with family and friends. Surrounding yourself with those who also knew and cared about your loved one can help the healing process by creating a positive atmosphere in a safe, comfortable place.
– Create a new holiday tradition in memory of your loved one. Rather than being reminded of the things you used to do together, creating a new tradition can be a great way to move forward.
Hospice of Santa Barbara provides free professional counseling, support groups and patient care services. For more information, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.
