The holiday season is a time of celebration and togetherness, but this time of year can also be emotionally challenging for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

“Grief is a natural and deeply personal process, and there is no right or wrong way to experience it,” said Lindsay Kampfer, vice president of hospice and palliative care at HopeWest. “The holidays can be a time of both joy and longing. As you honor your loved one’s memory, allow yourself to feel your emotions and seek encouragement and support when needed. With time and care, you will likely find ways to navigate the holidays while carrying their memory in your heart.”

Everyone’s grief journey is different, and the HopeWest team, which specializes in grief support, offers a few tips to help you through this season:

• Sit down and plan for how you want to approach the season. Consider setting boundaries, limiting social engagements and opting out of activities that may cause distress. Remember, you have the right to celebrate the holidays in a way that feels comfortable and emotionally safe for you.
• Make time for yourself. Take moments to relax, unwind and engage in activities that bring you comfort. Listen to music, treat yourself or simply sit quietly and reminisce about your loved one. These moments of self-care can be simple yet extremely helpful during this challenging time.
• Incorporating meaningful ways to honor your loved one’s memory can also bring peace and connection. Light a special candle in their memory, create an ornament with their picture or prepare their favorite meal to share with family and friends. These gestures can serve as a reminder of the love you shared and keep their spirit alive.
• Seeking support from others can also be beneficial. Connect with friends and family who understand your grief or join a grief-support group where you can share your experiences with others who are on a similar journey.

If you’re struggling to cope with grief during the holidays, know that you’re not alone. HopeWest offers comprehensive grief-support services to anyone in the community, including individual and family counseling and monthly grief support groups.

To learn more about these low-to-no-cost support services, contact HopeWest at 970-257-2390, or visit hopewestcares.org/holidaygrief to explore grief-support opportunities near you.