Suzanne B. O’Brien here,

The holiday season is a joyous time for most of us every year, but it can also be an incredibly painful time for those dealing with the loss of a loved one and experiencing grief. These feelings can manifest themselves in many ways and be expressed differently from individual to individual. I wanted to share with you a few good tips for dealing with grief right now whether you are experiencing it personally or if you are in a position to offer support to someone else going through it.

It is important to understand that grief is a natural and expected part of this process and there is no correct way or correct time frame for experiencing grief. Allow it to take its course and never feel guilty. You must be kind and gentle with yourself during this time

Some tips that can help with the grieving process during the holiday season are:

1. Telling a story about the deceased. This keeps their memory alive. Share your favorite story in a setting with others to keep them a part of the occasion in a positive way.

2. Make the deceased a part of things symbolically – light a candle, say a prayer, or even set a plate for them at the table. This is done in many cultures to honor loved ones no longer with us.

3. Create a new tradition in their honor. This could be playing their favorite music and singing the songs they liked, making their favorite dish for dinner or watching their favorite movie together. This incorporates the things they liked and allows them to contribute to the holiday festivities.

4. Give gifts from them! You can actually give a gift to others from that loved one in order to keep them in your thoughts and create a moment of remembrance.

5. Donate to a charity in their name. Contributing something to a cause they were passionate about is a great way to honor their memory.

6. Write a letter to them. This can be an extremely therapeutic and cathartic practice to express the emotions you are feeling and deal with them in a constructive (and private) way.

I hope these tips are useful to you in dealing with grief during a very difficult time to be missing the presence of a loved one. All of us at Doulagivers wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!

P.S. The LAST Free Peace of Mind Planner for End of Life 60 Minute Live Webinar Training of 2019 will be TONIGHT at 7

pm ET.