• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Working Mom Blog | Outside the Box Mom

making life easier for working moms

  • Home
  • Home Life
    • Cleaning
    • Decor
    • Home Improvement
    • Laundry
    • Organizing
    • Save Money at Home
  • Meals
    • Cooking Shortcuts
    • Grocery Shopping
    • Health
    • Meal Planning
    • Recipes
    • Save Money on Meals
  • Work
    • Blogging
    • Entrepreneur Mom
    • New Working Mom
    • Unemployment
    • Work at Home
    • Work / Life Balance
  • Mom
    • Beauty, Style, and Fashion
    • Faith
    • Health
    • Me Time
    • Productivity
  • Family
    • Childcare
    • Digital Life
    • Education
    • Family Time
    • Hobbies
    • Holidays
    • Marriage
      • Marriage Advice
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Finances
  • About
    • About Raki Wright
    • Disclosure Policy
    • My Communities:
    • Outside The Box Mom Resources
    • Parties I Link To
    • Privacy Policy | Privacy Notice
  • Contact
  • Shop

How to Cope with Loss Over the Holiday Season

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.

by RAKI WRIGHT

For those dealing with sickness, grief or the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be an especially sensitive time. Maybe the season brings up feelings of anger, confusion and shame.

Perhaps you’re experiencing loneliness and regret. How are you supposed to feel even a glimmer of joy when things are so grim? 

Well, there are a few ways to cope with your emotions and simply get through this time. Here are a few ideas that might help.

Let Yourself Be Sad 

Society often tells us to avoid negative emotions like sadness, anger and grief. Choke them down, cover them up, and, for goodness sake, don’t let the pain show, right?

Yet, the only way to truly heal and move past the heartbreak is to sit with your feelings and really feel them. 

Let the tears come, allow yourself to cry and scream and wail. Release those negative emotions and be sad. Only then you can pick yourself up and move on.

Honor Traditions and Memories

Your loved one may be gone, but the memories you shared together will last forever. Honor them and celebrate their life by keeping traditions you had when they were still alive. 

Whether it was hanging a pickle on the Christmas tree or going caroling, carrying on as you would any other year will remind you of all the good times you had together. This way you focus on the positives, even if they are bittersweet.

Prioritize Your Health 

When you’re grieving, it’s easy to neglect your physical needs because you’re dealing with so much mentally. However, it’s especially important that you take care of yourself right now.

Otherwise, poor nutrition, an inconsistent sleep schedule and a lack of physical activity can easily become your new normal. 

Eventually, these bad habits can become unhealthy coping mechanisms and prevent you from healing. Therefore, you must prioritize food, water, sleep and movement.

Set Boundaries 

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially while you’re coping with loss. That means if you need to be alone, set boundaries with your friends and family and spend some time with yourself.

This is the perfect time to explore your feelings and practice self-care. 

Of course, you shouldn’t completely isolate yourself, especially during the holidays. Go to family gatherings and annual celebrations and spend time with those who love you. What To Include on an Eco-Friendly Baby Registry

Ask For and Accept Help

Grief can take a toll on your energy levels and make it practically impossible to take care of yourself — not to mention your family. That’s why it’s crucial that you ask for and accept help during this difficult time. 

You might feel like a burden, but your loved ones are likely already looking for ways to help. Odds are they’ll jump at the chance to lend a hand, so let down your guard and lay down your pride. The Best Ways To Keep Kids Busy Over the Holidays

Bring Joy to Others 

History’s greatest thinkers have long suggested the same thing: helping others makes you happy. Whether you’re dealing with divorce or the death of a loved one, dedicating time to serving others is sure to spark some joy in your heart.

At the very least, it will help take your mind off things, even if only for a little while. 

Pay particular attention to others’ smiles and how it feels to make a positive impact. Lean into those feelings and you’re well on your way to busting a smile, too.

Revisit Old Hobbies

The holiday season is undeniably busy. However, losing yourself in the act of making cookies, knitting and decorating might actually help you better cope with loss this holiday season. 

If you don’t celebrate Christmas, revisit an old hobby, something that helps you get into a flow state. Yoga, meditation and other mind-body exercises may prove particularly useful as coping mechanisms.

Turn to these and other similar activities to regulate your emotions whenever grief hits you unexpectedly.

Find Support 

Sometimes, you can’t handle the grief on your own — nor should you have to. It’s important to reach out for support during this time.

Talk to a trusted friend or family member who can empathize without offering unwanted advice. Often, simply talking through your emotions can relieve some of the heartache and make the pain a bit more bearable.  
If you don’t have someone you can trust, turn to a counselor, community support group, or therapist such as Psych Company for people going through the five stages of grief. They’ll offer a listening ear and even provide additional coping mechanisms so you can learn to support yourself when others aren’t around.

When the Only Way Out is Through

Many people try to avoid, numb out and cover up the pain that comes with losing a loved one. They turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms in an attempt to escape the heartache.

Yet, in this case, the only way out is through, so embrace the grief this holiday season, even if it puts a damper on things. 

You have every right to feel the way you feel, and healing takes time. As long as you give yourself grace and lean on those around you, you’ll make it through, so take your time. 

Related Posts:

  • What Homeless Shelters Really Need This Time of Year
  • Ways to Give Back as a Family This Holiday Season
  • 5 Ways to Stay in Touch During The Holidays
  • 4 Rewarding Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer
  • How to Encourage Your Children to Be Thankful
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
RAKI WRIGHT
RAKI WRIGHT
Raki's Google Profile
RAKI WRIGHT
Latest posts by RAKI WRIGHT (see all)
  • What every parent should know about handling car accidents with calm and care -
  • How Medical Malpractice Can Impact Moms and What to Do When It Happens -
  • Sober Getaways: Why Some Moms Are Skipping Town to Quit Drinking -

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Tweet

Filed Under: Holidays

Previous Post: « How to Find Cheap Accommodations in Myrtle Beach for Your Wedding Guests
Next Post: 6 Cleaning Tips To Prep Your Home For Guests »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome! I'm Raki. I am a working mom of 2 (22-year old son and 15-year old daughter). I share tips to balance work, family, and make time for you. More...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Footer

What are you looking for?

ENTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO GET THE BEST TIME-SAVING TIPS AND SOLUTIONS FOR BUSY, WORKING MOMS IN YOUR INBOX.

    Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok