Hospice of Santa Barbara encourages our community to not just “get through” the holidays, but to embrace the season as a time for healing. Here are a few tips we hope will be helpful to you:
As the holidays near, there may be hard times ahead as you mourn your loved one. Remember that everyone grieves differently, and that it’s okay to not feel okay. If there are children in your family who are also coping with loss, focus on their needs and help them process through their grief.
Make a conscious decision when it comes to carrying on your holiday traditions, or considering starting new ones. Continuing the old traditions may help keep your loved one’s memory alive, but setting new ones may help you to move on.
Honor your loved one’s memory, whether it is through a beloved holiday tradition, or by sharing stories about them with your friends. Remember that although they are gone, their memory will always live on in your heart.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself by getting a proper amount of sleep, eating healthy and exercising when you can, but without forcing too much of your energy. Taking care of your body will help alleviate stress and improve your overall well-being.
Surround yourself with a supportive community that will be with you every step of the way as you cope with your grief. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
And, in hopes of making the holidays brighter for you and your family, we cordially invite you to celebrate and honor the lives of your loved ones at Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 40th annual Light Up A Life ceremonies.