For most people, holidays are a happy, festive time of year. But, for those facing holidays after the loss of a loved one, it can be lonely, depressing, and often difficult to handle. Holidays or not, it is important for you to find a way to take care of yourself.
Scroll down for a downloadable care worksheet, complimentary support groups, Tree of Life: Season of Light information, plus additional coping tips and resources.
You’re invited to join us at this free workshop to learn tips about how to deal with holidays. Please see dates and times as there will be both in person and online sessions. See more information.
Registration is required. Call us at (856) 452-7734 or email us ([email protected])
IN-PERSON SESSION
November 16 — 1:30 – 3:00 pm
December 11 — 2:00 – 3:30 pm
ONLINE SESSIONS
November 18 — 10:00 – 11:30 am
November 20 — 6:00 – 7:30 pm
December 5 — 6:00 – 7:30 pm
December 14 — 6:00 – 7:30 pm
December 18 — 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Click here to download Samaritan’s Coping with Holidays Care Kit. Use this worksheet to remember your loved one, explore gifts, self-care, and those who support you.
Celebrate your loved ones by donating a symbolic light on Samaritan’s annual Tree of Life. Please visit SamaritanNJ.org/Tree to view and share a recording of this year’s celebration, beginning on December 11, 2023. Learn More
Be good to yourself. Slow down your pace. Plan your schedule ahead of time so you can scale back on activities if you want too.
Acknowledge your loss. Select a candle in your loved one’s favorite color and scent. Place it in a special area of your home and light it at a significant time throughout the holidays. Put together a photo album or collage, visit your loved one’s grave, or write a poem.
Give yourself permission to express your feelings. If you feel the urge to cry, let the tears flow. Tears are healing. Talk to your family and friends about your feelings.
Don’t feel guilty if you find yourself enjoying yourself around the holidays. It is not disrespectful to the memory of your loved one.
Celebrate life. Attend a holiday or religious service if faith is part of your life. Recognize it is acceptable to create new traditions.
Embrace your memories and find comfort in them.
Relax and meditate to a variety of videos including Zen meditation, beach-themed and forest-themed guided meditation, self-massage tips, and readings from the Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo.
Find additional resources from Samaritan and other leading grief-support.