HOLIDAY PROBLEMS – ROADBLOCKS

Overwhelming sense of loss
Overwhelming emotions
Being alone
Traditions that have changed
Triggers (“land mines”) – reminders of your loss – music, cards, greetings, etc…
Others’ expectations
Lack of energy
Lack of “holiday spirit”
Negative associations with holidays
Previous history of disappointing holidays or unhappy relationships

HOLIDAY SOLUTIONS – STEPPING STONES

Plan ahead
Have a backup plan
Embrace the feelings – both good and bad
Realize it doesn’t have to be the best holiday ever – just get through it!
Find something different to do
Go to a buffet instead of fixing the big meal
Leave town
Take the pressure off of yourself – don’t fake it
Have reasonable expectations of yourself and others
Add something to your tradition that honors your loved one – light a candle
Create whatever holiday you want

Surviving Suicide Support Group – 12/17/96

HOLIDAY SUGGESTIONS

The holidays are difficult for all who have lost a loved one to suicide, but especially poignant for the survivor who is newly bereaved. We remember happier holidays spent with all family members present. As the years go by, the sadness becomes less overwhelming but it lingers. Usually, there is joy to be found but one must make a conscious effort to find it. Most survivors have found it helps to have a holiday plan and to change some of the family traditions. Here are some suggestions from experienced survivors who found them helpful.

Take care of yourself; eat right; schedule some time for exercise and get plenty of sleep.
Do your holiday shopping early to eliminate unnecessary stress.
Decide what you can handle comfortably and let those needs be known to family, friends and relatives.
If you find things aren’t going well, set limitations and do only the things that are most important to you.
Plan your holidays ahead of time. Having a schedule of known activities relieves some of the tension.
Don’t hesitate to make changes in your holiday tradition; it can make things less painful.
Start a new tradition – one as simple as discarding an old recipe and trying a new one, the time you open your presents, time of the holiday meal, etc.
Plan to be with people you enjoy.
Buy yourself something special.
If you feel the need to cry, remember tears are an honest expression of love and emotion.
Some have found comfort in spending the holidays away from home.
If the thought of sending holiday cards is too painful, give yourself permission not to send them.
If you feel uncomfortable about one Christmas stocking being missing, don’t hang any or substitute something else to fill.
Many have found comfort in doing something for others; give a gift in memory of your loved one to your favorite charity, invite a senior citizen, foreign student or guest to share your festivities, etc.
Include the deceased in your conversations with family and friends when you discuss past holidays. Some survivors have experienced disappointment when their loved one was excluded from holiday conversations. Having a discussion with your family beforehand helps to avoid this situation and additional grief.