Christmas and Bereavement

Holidays are joyous times for most families, and the Holiday Season of Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years are certainly no exception! For families suffering the loss of a loved one, however, this time of year can be remarkably painful when those we most cherished are now, conspicuous by their absence.

For our friends and family, neighbors and acquaintances who journey through bereavement at the Holidays, seasonal traditions often become grim reminders that life has changed, and Holidays will never be the same when a loved one has died.

At Final Tributes, we understand the special heartaches that are realized during the Holidays and especially, if the loss of a loved one is realized during a season of celebration. And while we certainly appreciate the fact that we all experience grief and bereavement in differently, we believe that an amazing funeral or memorial service is an important, if not crucial, aspect in the bereavement process.

Experts in the field of grief and bereavement acknowledge the feelings of emptiness and loneliness that are realized during the Holidays after a loved one has died, and their research has shown time and again that many of the risks associated with unhealthy grief are often realized by those who disengage from prior Holiday traditions, social interactions, or even religious practices.

And while participating in Holiday activities after the loss of a loved one is certainly never easy, it is an important element of a healthy bereavement process for not only the immediate next of kin, but also for extended family and friends who may be journeying with their own grief.

Towards that end, Final Tributes would like to encourages everyone this Holiday Season to send cards of remembrance and encouragement to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one during 2017; in no uncertain terms, the significance of this simple act of kindness is immeasurable, and may even prove transformative for those feeling disenfranchised by grief and bereavement during the Holidays.

For those wishing to do more for anyone experiencing grief, here are a few extra ideas worth considering!

* Make a donation to a charity in honor of a grieving friend's loved one.

* Invite a grieving friend or neighbor to join you for coffee or lunch.

* Offer to assist those suffering grief with shopping, transportation, or household chores.

* Purchase a magazine subscription aligned with a grieving friend or acquaintance's interests.

* Give a grieving friend a telephone call periodically just to talk about anything on their mind.

* Send a greeting card, e-mail, or text message with a brief note, a new recipe, or simply a few kind words.