After a loved one has passed, weB次元官网网址檙e acutely aware of every B次元官网网址渇irstB次元官网网址� without them B次元官网网址� the first meal, first birthday, or the first holiday season.

B次元官网网址淭he holidays can be particularly painful as everyone around you seems to be celebrating B次元官网网址� the last thing you feel like doing,B次元官网网址� reflects Julie Evans, from . B次元官网网址淕rief is a healthy part of our healing, and triggers like old traditions, mementos and stories will bring your grief to the surface, but there are many ways to make the holidays meaningful in a manner that makes sense for you.B次元官网网址�

By experiencing this roller coaster of emotions, youB次元官网网址檙e being authentic with yourself B次元官网网址� you are not celebrating the holidays B次元官网网址渨rong.B次元官网网址� Instead, focus on creating meaning for yourself this holiday season:

Keep Some Old Traditions

There is beauty in keeping a practice alive after the loss of a loved one. It can be an opportunity to reminisce with family or friends. While bittersweet, the feeling that you are reviving their spirit and legacy through their favourite traditions can make the holidays more meaningful, and help you feel close to them.

Combine New Elements with Old Traditions

Sometimes, adapting traditional festivities helps families cope better with a loss.

If shopping for your loved oneB次元官网网址檚 gift was something you looked forward to, consider shopping for someone else in their memory, Evans suggests.

Sands Colwood is collecting new unwrapped toys for the West Shore Christmas Hamper Fund, for example, and filling shoeboxes with daily necessities and treats for those less fortunate. Community members are invited to drop by with their donations and connect with the Sands team. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 common to feel isolated at the holidays, so choose activities that will give you a moment of peace and connection,B次元官网网址� Evans says.

If the holiday dinner was always at your house, maybe another family member can entertain this year? You can bring your loved oneB次元官网网址檚 favourite dish as a way to share joyful memories. Acknowledging loss is healthy, and reminds us that loved ones are always with us when we remember, especially with others who do too.

Attend a Remembrance Service

Candlelight services through both spiritual and secular communities can be safe spaces to remember, grieve and hear words of hope with others going through a similar challenge.

Develop New Traditions

You may find it difficult to celebrate the season after experienced the loss of a loved one: things have changed and the holidays will never be the same. Making a change to your holiday traditions to mark this new phase may bring you some comfort. For example:

• Volunteer at your local food bank, soup kitchen, church group, animal shelter, homeless shelter or other organization B次元官网网址� it can be a good way to connect and your help will be greatly appreciated. It may become a tribute to your loved one.
• Go out to eat or invite friends over.
• Go to the theatre or see a movie.
• If you prefer not to stay home, a trip somewhere sunny could inject new energy into the season.
• Treat yourself to a spa day, massage, or whatever you enjoy doing that helps you relax and feel restored.

These first holidays will be different, and while it can feel lonely, you donB次元官网网址檛 have to be alone.

For information, or to contribute to SandsB次元官网网址� holiday initiatives, drop by

If you would benefit from some extra support during the first year after a loss, learn more about Arbor MemorialB次元官网网址檚 .