Grief and the Approaching Holidays

Grief often strikes at inopportune times. The holiday season can be difficult after the loss of a loved one; because they are often the times we feel the void left by them. Most people surround themselves with family during the holidays, and having an empty seat at the table can be painful during such normally happy times. 

It is OK to Grieve on the Holidays

Some people often feel shameful for grieving during the holidays. Often, people feel that they need permission to grieve. But grief is a necessary part of the healing process. You need to go through it in order to heal. You should talk with your loved ones openly about your need to grieve. If you are uncomfortable having that conversation with everyone; try talking privately to a few of your family members about it.

Talk About Them

Some families will try to avoid bringing up your lost loved one. But your family should share memories and stories about them. It can bring the family closer together. Enjoy your time together, and reminisce about the good times with them.

Keeping Traditions Alive

Traditions in family gatherings are often tied to the loved ones who created or headed them. After the passing of a loved one, your family should decide whether or not to keep their traditions alive. It can be cathartic to pass the torch of certain traditions down. You are not replacing your loved one with another family member. You are keeping their legacy alive. 

Making the Same Dishes

As much as she tried to teach us how to cook; we all know we can’t replicate grandma’s cooking. But we can keep the spirit of the holidays up by recreating a loved one’s dishes to the best of our abilities. Just like passing on family traditions, holiday meals are just as, if not more, important. Looking through their cookbooks or old recipe cards can help you make the dishes similarly to them.
For almost 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.