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Understanding Grief ›
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Understanding grief ›
- Truths about grief
- What grief looks and feels like
- Common challenges with grief
- Grieving before the loss
- Ideas for living with loss
- Grief triggers
- How long grief lasts
- How the loss affects families and others
- When life starts to get better
- Special dates
- Rituals, funerals, and memorials
- Do I need more help?
- Prolonged grief
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Grief, roles, and identity ›
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Grieving a Death ›
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Your relationship ›
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The situation ›
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Non-death Loss ›
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Supporting Someone ›
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Professionals & Volunteers ›
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Resources & More ›
Special dates
Grieving when others are celebrating can be especially difficult—for example, during the holidays or other times of joyful celebration. These times are often infused with shared traditions, social gatherings, and rich memories that can intensify your grief.
Whether your loss is recent or happened several years ago, grief can surge when it feels like someone is missing from a special occasion. You may feel that others expect everyone to be “happy” or grateful during these times, and this may cause you distress or worry about bringing down the mood. Openness, flexibility, and communication make it easier to navigate these times.
Whether or not you want to join in celebrations may change from day to day, so keep invitations and plans open and flexible. Consider ways to acknowledge your grief and honour your loss as a part of these celebrations. You might share stories, light a candle, or create a special place to share memories. It's okay to join an occasion even if your heart isn't in it. Once you're there, you may be surprised to find that you're enjoying yourself. Or you may attend, realize that it's not the right time for you, and choose to leave early. It may help to tell your host in advance that you may show up or cancel at the last minute, or you may leave early. Wherever you go, you may find that your grief goes with you. Plan to take breaks away from others to give yourself some moments alone for reflection or call on others who can provide comfort if your grief surfaces.
Video Gallery
Resources
An infographic providing ideas for how to support grieving children and youth during Mother's and Father's Day.
Includes 8 tips on getting through the holidays after the death of a family member.
Offers 64 tips for coping with grief during the holidays, Does not relate to any specific holiday. Offers tips for when you are overwhelmed or stressed during a holiday.
Offers potential New Years resolutions for those who are grieving.
Talks about ways to show love for yourself, strangers, friends and family on Valentine's day for those dealing with grief during the holiday.
Provides guidance on how to support children and adults who have lost their mother on Mother's Day
Provides ideas and strategies on how to navigate holidays when you are grieving.
This brochure by Victoria Hospice presents supportive ideas, tips and considerations for grieving individuals to consider during holidays, special days and events.
Offers 64 tips for coping with grief during the holidays, Does not relate to any specific holiday. Offers tips for when you are overwhelmed or stressed during a holiday.
Offers potential New Years resolutions for those who are grieving.
Talks about ways to show love for yourself, strangers, friends and family on Valentine's day for those dealing with grief during the holiday.
Provides guidance on how to support children and adults who have lost their mother on Mother's Day
Includes 8 tips on getting through the holidays after the death of a family member.
Provides ideas and strategies on how to navigate holidays when you are grieving.
This brochure by Victoria Hospice presents supportive ideas, tips and considerations for grieving individuals to consider during holidays, special days and events.
An infographic providing ideas for how to support grieving children and youth during Mother's and Father's Day.
