While many of us are enjoying all of the holiday activities and parties, it’s not that way for everyone, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one.
The first holiday after losing someone can be devastating. Corwell Health Chaplain Mary Ann Burnett says the holiday activities may be too much.
“It may not feel like doing any of those things, so you can just know that it is fine to skip this stuff,” Burnett said. “You may skip this year and next year. You may decide you’re going to do that again or get rid of a certain tradition or maybe add another one. You know, the well-meaning family and friends, you just have to tell them that you’re not up to it this year, but you may be able to join another year.”
Burnett and her husband each lost a child to car crashes several years ago. She says they took a trip the first year after her daughter died and resumed some holiday activities the next year.
