If you are struggling with grief during the festive season, please know that you are not alone. Whilst for some it is the most wonderful time of the year, for others it can be a difficult period to navigate because of grief.
Whether someone has recently died, died a long time ago, whether they died around Christmas time or not, because it is generally a time of celebration, get-togethers and ‘cheer,’ for some the festive period acts as a stark reminder that someone is missing.
REMEMBERING THEM
You may like to honour your loved one’s memory this Christmas and there are lots of ways to do this. Here are some ideas and tips we have picked up over the years:
- Set a place at the dinner table for them. If the empty seat is a bit too sad you perhaps you could add a framed photo on the table, or their favourite Christmas jumper placed over the chair.
- Purchase or make a customised memorial bauble to hang from the tree (if you are having one). Etsy is a great place to get these, and you’ll be supporting a small business too: Etsy memorial baubles. For those that would prefer to make something, YouTube has lots of DIY tutorials for inspiration: YouTube DIY Christmas Bauble.
- Hang a ‘memory stocking’ where you and others can write down and leave your memories. You could pick a time to read them together.
- Donate to a charity in your loved one’s name.
- Purchase a gift you would have liked to have given to your loved one and donate it to a charity.
- Buy a bottle of their favourite tipple or their favourite dessert. Even if you do not like it, someone is bound to.
- Light a candle in your loved one’s honour. This could be a simple tea light, or perhaps you might like a customised one: Etsy memorial candles.
It is okay to not be okay
You may opt to skip festivities altogether – that is okay. You may find yourself having fun and enjoying Christmas – that is also okay. Being happy does not mean that you do not miss someone.
If you do find that you are particularly struggling, please know that there are lots of people available to help you. Here are some organisations to reach out to for help with bereavement, however long ago it was:
A national organisation that works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Samaritans are available 24 hours a day to listen to you.
w: samaritans.org | freephone: 116 123 (24/7/365)
A nationwide organisation with a mission to make sure that grieving people can access support. As well as a helpline, Cruse offers local services through its network of volunteers.
w: cruse.org.uk | freephone: 0808 808 1677
Opening hours:
- Monday: 9.30am-5pm
- Tuesday: 9.30am-8pm
- Wednesday: 9.30am-8pm
- Thursday: 9.30am-8pm
- Friday: 9.30am-5pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am-2pm
Your GP can help you if you are finding it difficult to cope. If you need an appointment with your GP, please do tell let them know that it is a mental health appointment (bereavements are considered as such) and they will usually fast-track to get you in.
If at any point you feel you are at breaking point, call NHS 111 and they will find you the help and support you need immediately.
Harrison Funeral Home
Harrison Funeral Home is here to make a difficult time a little easier. Our experts are specialists in helping bereaved families in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Highgate and nationally with funeral arrangements.