Are you one of many not identifying with White Christmas or Holly Jolly Christmas? Maybe for you, or someone close to you, the descriptor of Blue Christmas is more accurate.
Christmas may be Blue for any number of reasons, but most often it is attached to loss and grief. I have recently read 3 excellent pieces that focus on how to survive a season when you feel anything but merry. The articles also include helpful ideas on how to navigate the holidays as you support someone close to you who is grieving.
Chloe Hamilton from Warm Embrace Elder Care shares valuable insights on Surviving the holidays when you’re grieving
Carly Kowalik from Bereaved Families of Ontario is interviewed on CBC Radio on the topic of Anything But Merry.
Bereaved Families of Ontario offer a wide variety of support to our local community with groups for:
Parents grieving the death of an infant – 8 Week Program for parents who have experienced the death of a baby during pregnancy, as an infant or a child up to and including the age of two.
Parents grieving the death of a child – 8 Week Program for parents who have experienced the death of a child from 3 years of age and up.
Healing Little Hearts (children ages 4-12) – 6 Week Program helping children understand and cope with feelings of loss when they have experienced the death of a loved one. A concurrent group for parents/caregivers is held along side the children’s group.
Living With Loss – For adults who have experienced the death of a loved one, this group is designed to provide on-going support and some basic education about the grieving process. It is an open, drop-in group and no registration is required. This program is offered in Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and Mount Forest.
Living with Loss for Adults Grieving the Death of a Loved One By Substance Use – Peer support group specifically for individuals impacted by drug or alcohol-related deaths. We hope to lessen the stigma, encourage dialogue and create a safe, welcoming space for people who are grieving to share stories about their loved ones and learn to heal. One-on-one support – Offered once/per month for parents when group isn’t immediately available.
If Bereaved Families doesn’t have a program suited to your specific needs, or comfort level, they have extensive connections in the community and can help you find an alternative place for support that fits.
If it isn’t you specifically that are grieving, but rather you want to support and encourage someone close to you, here is another excellent article.
Grieving People wish you knew this
