The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy—warm lights, family gatherings, shared meals, and celebration. But for many, this time of year also highlights the empty chair at the table, the quiet moments that used to be filled with laughter, or the memories that resurface when least expected. Grief doesn’t take a holiday break. In fact, it often grows louder when the world around us feels festive.
If you’re walking through loss this season, you’re not alone. And there is no “right” way to feel.
Grief Has Its Own Season
Grief doesn’t follow the calendar. It can come in waves—some soft, some overwhelming—and the holidays can intensify those emotions. You might find yourself missing traditions that can’t be recreated, people you want to call, or simple moments you never realized were so precious.
It’s okay if the holidays don’t feel the same.
It’s okay if they never do.
And it’s okay to feel joy and sadness at the same time.
Give Yourself Permission
One of the most compassionate things you can do for yourself during this time is to allow your feelings to exist without judgment.
Allow yourself to cry.
Allow yourself to rest.
Allow yourself to laugh without guilt.
Allow yourself to step back if certain events feel too heavy.
There is no “should” when it comes to grief.
Honour What—or Who—You’ve Lost
Rituals and remembrance can provide a sense of connection.
You might choose to:
- Light a candle in memory of your loved one
- Display a photo or keepsake
- Share a favorite story
- Donate in their honor
- Start a new tradition that reflects the love you carry
Honoring your loss doesn’t mean you’re stuck in grief. It means you’re acknowledging the depth of your love.
Reach for Support When You Need It
The holidays can feel isolating, but you don’t have to carry your feelings alone. Talking to a friend, joining a support group, or confiding in a professional can be grounding. Sometimes just saying, “This is a hard time for me,” opens the door to connection and compassion.
Take Care of Your Emotional Energy
Grief can be physically exhausting, so give yourself grace:
- Keep plans simple
- Set gentle boundaries
- Prioritize rest
- Nourish your body
- Spend time with people who make you feel safe
- Step outside for fresh air—even a few minutes can help
You don’t need to match anyone else’s pace this season. Move at the speed of your heart.
Finding Light in a Difficult Season
Grief doesn’t mean the absence of love—it is the continuation of it. Though the holidays may feel different, quieter, or heavier, you are still allowed moments of warmth, connection, and hope. Healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about finding ways to carry your memories forward with you.
If this season brings more tears than joy, be gentle with yourself. If it brings unexpected moments of peace, welcome them. Grief is personal, complex, and deeply human—and however you move through the holidays, you are doing the best you can. And that is enough.
