Whilst the winter season brings Christmas holidays, New Year’s and is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness for many, for some it can be a challenging time.
If a loved one in your life has passed away, winter celebrations can be a reminder of the loss. This can be true whether the loss happened recently or not. It can also be particularly difficult if they passed away during the wintertime.
The cold weather, dark days, and even hearing about other people’s celebrations, can exacerbate things like seasonal depression and feelings of loss and isolation. However, it’s essential to remember that even in the depths of winter, you can find positivity and hope.
In this article, we’re going to explore ways to find solace, including coping with grief and maintaining wellness in winter, honouring loved ones, and supporting those who are grieving.
Support from Funeral Directors, Counsellors and Other Professionals
One of the first and foremost steps. If the loss is recent, or if you are currently planning a funeral, remember that you can always talk to your funeral director. Funeral directors can give advice, and can also refer you to services such as bereavement counselling, as they have many relevant connections within their local community. It’s a good place to start when seeking comfort and support.
If the loss happened a few years ago, but you still struggle at this time of year, research local support groups and look into talking to a counsellor. You can also get expert help and advice from online sites or therapy apps.
If you find that your grief and loss is significantly impacting your life and mental health, talk to a professional as soon as you can. You can even start by talking with your GP.
Acknowledge Your Feelings and Talk to Friends and Family
As well as seeking professional support, you may find it incredibly therapeutic to talk to friends and family. They are probably feeling similar to you, after all, and may also need support.
It’s important to acknowledge your feelings, recognise and accept your grief. It’s okay to feel sad, confused, or even angry. These emotions are a natural part of grief and the healing process. Be gentle with yourself.
By acknowledging and accepting your feelings, it also helps you to be able to talk openly and share your feelings with others. Talking may also help them to come to terms with their feelings too.
Allowing yourself moments of solitude and self-care can also be healthy. For example, you might find comfort by going for a quiet walk, wrapping up warm, getting some fresh air and being in nature. This has the added benefit of being physically good for your health too.
Honouring and Paying Tribute to Your Lost Loved One
Along with paying tribute at a funeral or memorial service, you can also create a new yearly tradition to keep the memory of your lost loved one for years to come.
Your tribute could be something as simple as lighting a special candle on their birthday, or organising a yearly get together to have a meal and share stories – perhaps with food that held some significance to the person who passed. If your loved one had a favourite place or location, why not make it a tradition to visit there once a year? Doing so may evoke good memories and offer solace.
Another way to pay tribute is to donate to a charity or cause in their name, choosing something that had a specific meaning to them. You could also create a memorial ornament or picture frame gallery to keep their spirit alive
Supporting Others
Many other people are likely feeling the same way as you may be. By joining a bereavement support group, you could meet new people and support each other. Some may not have friends or family local to help out, so offer assistance to them, even if it’s simple things such as helping with household tasks. Spend time with them and offer a listening ear. Invite them to your gatherings. Doing so can help you both through the grieving process.
Final Thoughts
Navigating grief during any time of year is challenging. Winter can provide unique challenges but it can also allow you opportunities to remember and pay tribute to a loved one. However you choose to preserve their memory, remember to allow time to care for yourself too, and seek professional bereavement support if you feel you could use it.
