Normally, the holiday season is synonymous with cheerfulness, rest and good times with the family. However, if you have lost a loved one recently, these festive moments may be marred by a veil of sadness and nostalgia for the happy days you had in the past. Here are some tips to help you get through the Christmas season without your loved one.

Accept the sadness and grief
If you have lost a loved one in the past year, this first Christmas will certainly be one of grief and nostalgia. Even though these are difficult emotions to deal with, it is essential to take the time to mourn your loss. The temptation may be strong to isolate yourself, but be aware that it can be beneficial to surround yourself with others during trying times. In addition, give yourself the right to turn down certain invitations or shorten certain evenings if you feel the need. What's important is to listen to your heart so as not to rush things.

Establish new family traditions
In order to avoid dwelling on the pain of a first Christmas without your loved one, it may be wise to establish new family traditions, for example, by changing the location of the Christmas dinner. By adding a little change to a period of time that is very often steeped in tradition, you will be able to build new memories that will become more pleasant as time goes on.

Make room for your loved one by honouring your dearly departed
Don't hesitate to honour your loved one by remembering happy moments spent in his or her company. To do this, take out old photo albums or simply share anecdotes from your loved one's life with those who knew him or her. You could also light a candle to mark the departure of your loved one or play music that your loved one enjoyed. It is by keeping the memory of your dearly departed alive that your loved one will continue to be there with you, in spirit, during important events in your life.

Don't hesitate to ask for help
Even if you want the holiday season to be festive, let yourself express your emotions. After all, the death of a loved one makes you and those around you very vulnerable and it is essential not to repress these feelings. There are a number of self-help groups whose objective is to bring bereaved people together to give them the opportunity to discuss life situations similar to yours. In addition, various qualified professionals can help you with expert advice to get through this difficult time. You will also find many support organizations that hold talks on bereavement—an opportunity to develop some interesting resources to help you get through this ordeal.

Remember that each situation is unique and it is important not to downplay the emotions you are experiencing. If you need help following the death of a loved one, don't hesitate to contact the Aeterna Funeral Complex team. We can provide you with a list of psychological support resources, while providing you with attentive, sensitive listening.