Tips for Navigating the Holidays
Take care of yourself. You are important!
Talk about your feelings. Cry, laugh. Find people that will talk about feelings with you.
See the holidays in a series of small events instead of an endless stream of pain. Take one event at a time.
For those of you whose child and/or loved one has died, keep saying their name in memories and stories. Encourage others to say his/her name.
Say “yes” and give yourself permission to say “no” to events.
Know that you will change your mind and that’s okay; place NO judgment on what your decision is.
Try keeping the holidays simple. Be aware of unrealistic expectations.
Plan ahead. Know what you want to do and are willing/able to do.
Decide if you want to keep the same holiday traditions or change them out.
For those of you whose child and/or loved one has died, if you have other children, ask them how they want to honor or remember their loved one.
Lean on your support systems, whoever that might be for you.
Give yourself permission to take a time-out.
Remember that everyone is going to do the holidays differently, and there will be different expectations.
