Understanding Grief And Ways To Offer Your Support During The Holidays

The grieving process is very personal, and it can be hard to know exactly what to say or do for someone who is hurting. No matter what time of year someone experiences a loss, it is a hard situation to be faced with. The holidays, however, offer special challenges for those recently coping with the death of a family member or loved one, and that can mean special challenges for those who wish to comfort them. It can be hard, if not impossible, to know exactly what to say or do for someone who is going through the first holiday season without one they love.

Remember that there is no perfect solution to this situation. You can’t take away the hurt and pain of someone’s loss, and you’ll never find the exact words that will make everything better. The best you can do is recognize the situation and offer all the love and support you can during this time. You don’t have to tiptoe around the situation, either. Ask your friend or family member what you can do to make this holiday easier for them. They may not have any specific needs, but the fact that you asked will show them how much you care.
Often, sharing your thoughts and prayers can be invaluable during this time. Use good judgment, though. If you have a grieving experience that you think your friend or family member will benefit from or find hope in, don’t be afraid to talk to them about it. If you have spiritual beliefs that you believe would be helpful to your friend or family member, share them. This is not the time to be pushy, however, so again, use your best judgment.

One thing that many people like to do to acknowledge the loss of someone important while still offering love and comfort to the survivors is giving a gift. Finding the right sympathy gift can be difficult, but there are options beyond the typical sympathy bouquet. You can find personalized gifts like ornaments to remember those who have died, or garden benches or stones that will give the living something to enjoy and reflect on those they love. There are so many wonderful ways to emphasize a remembrance while giving survivors joy and comfort during the holidays. You may never find the perfect words, but you can certainly find the perfect gift with the help of The Comfort Company.

By: Renee Wood, MSW

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Renee Wood founded The Comfort Company in 2000. She is a social worker that has helped families deal with the loss or pending loss of a child, as well as aiding patients in the end-stage of renal failure. The gifts provided by The Comfort Company offer memorial ideas as well as hope for healing hearts.