19 Dec Tips for Getting through the Holidays
Ten Tips for Getting through the Holidays when You’re Grieving a Loss
Eat well. Drink plenty of water. Cut back on sweets, alcohol, and caffeine.
Exercise. It reduces stress, and can help you sleep better.
If you accept invitations to parties and dinners, ask permission to be flexible. You’re grieving and some days are better than others.
Either observe holiday traditions or ignore them. The choice is yours. If you observe them, realize they will be different this year. If you ignore them, realize it’s not forever.
Give gifts or don’t give gifts. Good friends and loving relatives will understand. If you do give gifts, make it easy on yourself: Order online, buy gift cards, or give food.
Decorate or skip it this year. It can be one less chore in January.
Accept help. Tell people you could use some help writing cards, buying gifts, or cooking.
Memorialize your loved one. Light a candle, make a decoration, hang a special ornament, or bring a wreath to their gravesite.
Help others. Volunteer to serve meals at a community dinner or visit someone who might like some company.
Plan a January treat. Reward yourself with a movie, a special meal, or an outing. It doesn’t have to be extravagant – just something to look forward to once the holidays are over.