In past years, the Christmas holiday season may have been a time of great anticipation and excitement … but this year, the prospect of facing the holidays without your loved one may cause anxiety and dread.
You are not alone.
Here you can connect with support, encouragement and advice to survive the holidays.
This site helps you:
- Discover practical, stress-reducing ideas that will help you face the holiday season
- Find a Surviving the Holidays event near you
- Find out how to begin receiving daily, encouraging emails written for people who are grieving
- Discover why it’s still possible to celebrate this holiday season
- Learn more about the GriefShare program
What Is a Surviving the Holidays Event?
Watch more videos …
This “Surviving the Holidays” website is brought to you by GriefShare, an international network of grief recovery support groups. Learn more about the value of participating in a GriefShare group by watching this video. Some GriefShare groups will continue to meet through the holiday season, others will begin again in January. To find a group near you, visit www.griefshare.org. You’ll be glad you did!
Walking Through the Holidays
Asking yourself the questions in this article can help you to identify and face the specific feelings and concerns you have about the coming holidays.
Survival Tips for Handling the Holidays
Practical ideas for surviving the deep sorrow and pain you may be experiencing this holiday season.
Holiday Helps for Grieving Families
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the days become difficult for those who have lost loved ones. These helpful suggestions are from a woman who has experienced the death of her son.
Preparing for Christmas
Take care of yourself physically … celebrate Christmas in a simple manner … remember your loved one … serve others in need.
Building Memories at Christmas
Ways to honor and remember your loved one while keeping your focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Lessons from a Christmas Tree
A GriefShare participant shares how he faced his first Christmas after the death of his wife.
Holidays and Other Special Times
Suggestions from GriefShare group leaders and participants on how to make it through these emotionally challenging days.
Helping Grieving Children Through the Holidays
Your children may be confused and anxious about the holidays, even if they don’t express it. These ideas will help you and your children connect with each other and find a sense of peace and enjoyment in the coming days.
Give It All to Jesus, Even Those We Love
After a loved one’s death, many times we tend to focus on the negative. We can become overburdened with sadness, hurt, bitterness and grief. This article gives practical advice on how you can give these burdens to Jesus and accept His comfort.
How to Help Your Grieving Child
Our Surviving the Holidays experts give practical answers to questions you may have about helping your grieving children through the holidays.
Coping with Loss and Grief During Seasons of Celebration
This article offers practical ideas for coping during the coming holidays and decreasing your stress in the process.
How to Ask for and Accept Help
Most people would like to help you, but do not know the best way to help. This article will help you define and share your needs.
What You Wish Your Comforters Knew about Grief
Sometimes people are insensitive in their attempts to comfort you. Learn how to communicate with your comforters to help avoid awkward or hurtful moments.