Coping with the Holidays: A 5-Week Series

This series is designed to provide comfort, guidance, and hope for those navigating the holiday season after the loss of a loved one. Each week focuses on a different aspect of coping and healing.

Week 1: Acknowledging the Pain of the Holidays

The holiday season is often described as the “most wonderful time of year.” But for those of us grieving the loss of someone we love, it can feel anything but wonderful. The familiar traditions, the festive music, even the twinkling lights can stir feelings of sadness, loneliness, and longing. It’s okay to feel this way.

Grief has no timeline, and the holidays often intensify the ache of absence. Memories of past

celebrations can bring both comfort and pain, leaving us wondering how we’ll face the season

without them. The truth is, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the emotions that arise during this time of year.

Be Honest with yourself and Others

You don’t have to force yourself to “be okay” or pretend to feel festive. Share your emotions

with trusted friends or family members who will listen without judgement. It’s okay to say, “I’m

finding the holidays really challenging this year.”

Set Realistic Expectations

Setting expectations during the holidays after the loss of a loved one can be a delicate process.

Here are some suggestions for setting expectations during a challenging time:

•  Acknowledge and accept. It’s very important to acknowledge and accept that the holidays will be different without your loved ones. Allow yourself and your family members to grieve and express emotions openly.

• Adjust traditions. Adapt your holiday traditions to accommodate the absence of your loved one. This could mean creating new rituals or modifying existing ones in the loved one’s memory. We will talk more about this in week two.

•  Set realistic expectations. Understand that it’s OK if things don’t feel the same as they did before the loss; they will feel different. Be realistic about what you can handle, both emotionally and physically. Allow yourself to say NO to anything that feels too overwhelming.

Take Care of Yourself

Prioritize Self-Care. Making self-care a priority is a must during the holiday season. Make space for rest, quiet moments, or activities that bring peace. Whether it’s a walk, journaling, or sitting with a warm drink, these small acts of self-care matter.

You’re Not Alone

Many people struggle with the holidays after a loss. Reaching out to others who understand,

whether through a support group or a trusted friend, can provide comfort.

Do What is Right for You During the Holidays

Cooking and preparing food for the holidays kept me moving forward and kept my mind

occupied. So, over the next five weeks I will share a recipe that I hope you might try, enjoy and that will bring you comfort...

Chicken or Turkey A La King

1-(8-ounce) pkg. of mushrooms sliced in small pieces

½ cup diced green pepper

½ cup butter

½ cup of flour

1-teaspoon salt

1-teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 cups of chicken both

2 cups of light cream

2 cups of cubed, cooked chicken or turkey

1-(4ounce) jar of chopped pimentos

8- Puff Pastry Shells

In a deep skillet or pot melt butter over medium heat and cook mushrooms and peppers until

tender, about five to seven minutes. Turn down heat to low and whisk in flour salt and pepper,

stirring constantly until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Then add broth and cream, stirring

constantly for about a minute or until well blended. Add the chicken, and the pimento, heat until warmed through. Serve over pastry shells that have been cooked according to package directions. Garnish with parsley! These are delicious! Perfect to use for any Thanksgiving leftover turkey!

Serves 8

Take good care