When the Holidays Feel Different: Navigating Grief With Care and Support

The holidays are often described as a season of joy and togetherness. For many, they also arrive with an empty chair, familiar traditions that feel heavier and moments that bring loss into sharp focus. Grief does not take a holiday. It shows up in quiet ways and unexpected moments, especially during a season built around memory and meaning.

Holidays are filled with reminders of what once was. Songs, gatherings and long held traditions can highlight who is missing. For those who are newly grieving, this may be the first season without a loved one. For others, grief may resurface even years later.

Grief can look different for each person. Some feel sadness or longing. Others experience fatigue, irritability or a desire to withdraw. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and no timeline for when the season should feel easier.

One of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to feel what you feel. You do not need to force cheer or participate in every tradition. Some families choose to keep celebrations simple. Others find comfort in honoring a loved one through a favorite recipe, a candle or a shared story.

Children often grieve in waves and may express their feelings differently than adults. They might ask questions, act out or seem unaffected one moment and overwhelmed the next. Keeping routines when possible and allowing honest conversations can help children feel safe and supported. Simple traditions such as writing a note, drawing a picture or sharing a memory can give children a way to stay connected while processing their emotions.

Grief can feel isolating, especially during a season that emphasizes togetherness. Reaching out for support can make a meaningful difference. This may be through trusted friends, faith communities or professional grief counselors. Hospice of the Western Reserve offers grief support and counseling for adults and children at no cost, regardless of whether hospice services were used. Our team understands that grief does not follow a calendar and that support may be needed long after the holidays end.

If the holidays feel heavy this year, know that you are not alone. Whether you are grieving a recent loss or carrying grief from years past, support is available. Our teams are here to listen, to guide and to offer steady care through every season. To learn more about grief support services at Hospice of the Western Reserve, visit hospicewr.org or call us at any time.