How to Navigate the Pain of Loss at the Holidays

The holidays can be a heartwarming and festive time that allows friends and families to come together and connect at celebrations end gift-giving. But for anyone who has lost a loved one, this may not feel like a time to be festive because depending on how involved the deceased was with the holidays. It can be challenging to work through the memories and extra pain that can arise, especially after looking at funeral homes in Berkley, MI, for scheduling.

Putting Your Needs as the Priority

If you go above and beyond for others and put your own needs aside, this can be a difficult task. But the truth is with grief, it’s a complicated process for some, and whether it’s you or someone else that’s grieving, there may be a need to put up some boundaries around events. Placing limits can look like not taking on extra responsibility or deciding not to go to an event at all. You can also consider changing the amount of time you might spend at an event you usually would and just understanding that if you need to leave early.

Making Subtle or Large Changes

Another option around the holidays is to change up old traditions. There may have been events or festivities that the deceased planned that were grander, and it could simply feel like too much to try to plan these events if they’ve been placed on you or someone else. So, this may look like changing a destination or adding in or removing a favorite recipe.

If you choose to hold the event anyway, you might consider getting some extra help and delegating some of the required tasks for the festivities. If you want to still include the deceased in the event, you can honor them by Setting out favorite trinkets or photos of them at the function.

Focusing on Compassion

One of the last things you can do is be mindful that grief is not a linear process, and it will take as much time as it takes. So, whether you are going through the experience or supporting someone, understand that practicing compassion and patience can be essential parts of the healing process. Avoiding putting demands on yourself or anyone else to heal faster or be different can make the process easier because the individual doesn’t feel like they can’t just be okay as they are with the feelings.

A Focus on Quality and Commitment

There is no doubt that learning to navigate life without your loved one can be a difficult task. And the holidays can bring more of a challenge to this, so you want to make sure that when you are looking at funeral homes in Berkley, MI, you choose a company that truly understands the process of loss. Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors have been in business since 1906, focusing on providing our community with high-quality compassion and support for all our clients. If you require services, give us a call today, and we will help you get started in your planning processes.