Death is never welcome no matter when it comes. If the death happens unexpectedly during the holidays it’s all the more challenging to deal with the loss.
Many people are unaware there are some causes of death that increase during the holidays. That means death during the holidays happens more than most of us realize. We’ve worked with many families who’ve been in this position. Here are a few things that may be able to help you process the loss during what is supposed to be the happiest time of year.
Give Yourself Time and Space to Grieve
When it’s the holidays, you may feel pressured to put on a happy face and be more social than you’re expected to at other times of the year. Just because others are in the holiday spirit that doesn’t mean you have to be.
Coping with a sudden loss isn’t easy because you aren’t prepared for it. Giving yourself time and space to grieve is extremely important. You need to be able to process what has happened so that you can accept the loss and move forward.
It can be tempting to keep up your holiday schedule as a distraction or because you feel obligated to others. Friends and family that care for you won’t pressure you to join the festivities if you aren’t ready. And taking part in activities when you’re still emotionally distraught could have a negative impact on your healing.
If you are having a difficult time getting through the holiday season that’s totally understandable. Grief counseling during the holidays may be the best gift you can give yourself.
Don’t Forgo a Memorial If You Want to Have One
In some instances, the opposite could be true. Another issue that can arise during the holidays is the feeling that having a memorial service isn’t appropriate. As if it would put a damper on other people’s holiday season. Here again you have to put yourself first.
If you would like to have a post-cremation memorial to remember your loved one it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. And of course, if your loved one had a last will and testament that requested a memorial, then you should have one.
The holidays can actually help you keep the mood light and happy as you celebrate the memory of your loved one. If they loved Christmas, go ahead and have a Christmas themed memorial. Or you can display holiday photos of your loved one throughout the years of their life. It’s a sentimental timeline that’s perfect for the season.
Create a New Holiday Tradition That Honors Your Loved One
One reason the holidays are so hard after losing a loved one is because there are so many memories and traditions involved. Usually that’s one of the best parts of the holiday season, but after a death it can be a reminder that there’s one less person to celebrate. And the holiday traditions just might not feel the same.
Instead of avoiding the holiday activities or simply going through the motions as usual, it could be a good time to start a new holiday tradition. A new tradition that honors your loved one can help keep their memory alive year after year. For instance, you can start a tradition of watching family videos of past holidays on Christmas Eve. Or each year you can create a new ornament in honor of your loved one. What’s most important is that it’s meaningful to you and helps you celebrate the loved one in a joyful way.
The team at DirectCremate.com understands how difficult this time is and that extra care is needed for the family. Our job is to handle nearly every aspect of the disposition so that arranging funeral services is as stress-less as possible. Give us a call or text whenever is most convenient for you to get personal assistance.
