Grieving the loss of a loved one throughout the year, especially during the holiday season and other specials days, can be challenging. Is it possible to mourn and celebrate at the same time? While it is difficult to cope with the pain of loss while others are celebrating, there are resources available to help you navigate the holidays while honoring your grief and the memory of the loved one who has died.
Holiday Services of Remembrance
These services, many offered by area funeral homes, long-term care facilities and veteran’s facilities, can offer inspiration and hope as you reflect and remember the life of your loved one. If you utilized services from one of these agencies for your loved one, contact the agency this holiday season to find out when these services will be held.
Family & Friends
Many times the people who care about us most want tangible ways to help us through our grief, but often they don’t know the best way to help. Make your loved ones aware of your needs and be specific in your requests for help. Accept assistance when it is offered to you. This could include help with holiday shopping, decorating, baking and cleaning.
Educational Resources
Books and videos by those with first-hand experience of loss can also be valuable resources as you navigate your grief. There are countless resources available on the topic of grief. Our resources are available free of charge through the lending library at Hospice of the Red River Valley as well as available for purchase at local bookstores and online.
- “Surviving the Holidays without You, Navigating Grief During Special Seasons” by Gary Roe – Drawing upon his work as a hospice chaplain, Roe shares both personal and professional experiences in this concise resource. This grief survival toolkit addresses the expectations we feel from others, handling continual memories and reminders of loved ones and feeling lonely and misunderstood during the holidays.
- “Healing your Holiday Grief” by Alan Wolfelt – This easy-to-read resource offers 100 practical ideas for blending mourning and celebration during the holiday season. This compassionate guide helps you find your way as you both mourn and celebrate this holiday season.
- “How Will I Get Through the Holidays” by James Miller – Miller touches on 12 topics, including accepting the likelihood of your pain, planning ahead and doing for others during the holidays. This book also includes quotations offering validation of feelings and encouraging personal growth.
- “Passed and Present: Keeping Memories of Loves Ones Alive” by Allison Gilbert – The first “How-to” book for remembering loved ones, this resource offers 85 inspiring ways to celebrate family and friends you never want to forget. These inspirational ideas will be helpful not only during the holiday season, but also for celebrating our loved ones any time of the year.
About Hospice of the Red River Valley
In 1981, Hospice of the Red River Valley was founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality end-of-life care. We fulfill our nonprofit mission by providing medical, emotional, personal and spiritual care, as well as grief support to our patients, their families and caregivers during a tender time in life. Our staff helps those we serve experience more meaningful moments through exceptional hospice care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, wherever a patient calls home. The organization serves more than 40,000 square miles in North Dakota and Minnesota, including in and around Bismarck, Detroit Lakes, Devils Lake, Fargo, Fergus Falls, Grand Forks, Lisbon, Thief River Falls, Valley City and many more communities. Hospice of the Red River Valley offers round-the-clock availability via phone, prompt response times and same-day admissions, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact us anytime at 800-237-4629 or hrrv.org.
