By STEPHANIE FAROH
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Kosciusko County

It is a season for holiday cheer, joy and celebration, but for many, the holidays bring about feelings of sadness and grief. Studies show that feeling grief during the holiday season is very common. Whether it be related to the loss of a loved one, poor health, financial stress, or reflections on a tough year, feeling the blues during the holidays is quite normal. Whether you, a family member, or a friend is feeling grief, the following tips may help you to be supportive of someone who needs it:

• Allow yourself some time to feel sad or have a good cry.
• Talk to a support group member, a friend, or counselor to help you work through your feelings.
• Be careful with excessive use of alcohol or medications.
• If you need some quiet time, take it. Your loved ones will understand.
• Some people feel that a change of pace is more helpful than old familiar traditions. Do you want to try something different this year?
• Communicate. Let others know how you are feeling, what you need, and how they can help. If children are involved, talk to them about what they might expect.
• Grief is exhausting; know that you may tire quickly and save your energy for the most important things.
• If you aren’t up for a large family affair, have a scaled-down event with a few close family members or friends.
• Delegate. Let others share the workload by helping with decorations, gifts, or preparing food.
• Be prepared to receive correspondence from friends who have not heard updates of your situation and may inquire about things that are difficult to talk about.
• Keep the holidays simple. Added stress and pressure may lead to further grief.
• Write about your feelings. Keeping an honest journal or blog that answers questions such as, “Why does this upset me so much?” or “What would I like to see happen?” can help alleviate stress.
• If you are by yourself, you may want to consider spending the day volunteering. Every community has people who need an extra hand during the holidays and the good feeling that comes with giving of yourself can be healing.
• Light a special candle for hope for the new year or to honor your loved one.
• Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your feelings and needs.

Let’s be especially mindful of how we treat people during the holidays. Sharing a little holiday cheer with others can go a long way. Recall all the positive things you have in your life and be grateful for what you do have. The new year is right around the corner, so let’s make 2015 our best year yet.
Here’s to a healthier you.

For more information call Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at [email protected].