Navigating Grief During the Holidays

The holiday season is often painted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet for many, it can also be a season of deep grief. Whether it’s the first holiday after losing a loved one or the tenth, the absence can feel sharper against the backdrop of festive lights and cheerful gatherings. Grief during the holidays can feel especially heavy, as memories and traditions highlight the absence of loved ones.

Why Grief Feels Heavier during the Holidays

• Cultural expectations: Holidays carry strong traditions and social pressure to “be merry.”

• Memories and rituals: Family traditions often highlight the absence of someone who is no longer here.

• Seasonal contrasts: Shorter days and colder weather can intensify feelings of isolation.

Giving Yourself Permission

Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It’s okay if your holidays look different this year.

• Allow yourself to say no to events that feel overwhelming.

• Create space for both joy and sorrow—they can coexist.

• Honor your loved one with a ritual, like lighting a candle, cooking their favorite dish, or sharing a story.

Supporting Others Who Are Grieving

If you know someone navigating loss:

• Offer presence, not pressure. Sometimes sitting quietly together means more than words.

• Extend gentle invitations without expectation.

• Remember that grief is not linear—patience matters.

Finding Meaning Amid Loss

Grief can transform the holidays into a time of reflection. Some find comfort in:

• Volunteering or giving back in honor of their loved one.

• Starting new traditions that acknowledge both past and present.

• Seeking community—support groups, faith gatherings, or trusted friends.

Local Grief & Mental Health Resources in Boise

If you’re in the Treasure Valley, you don’t have to walk this path alone. Here are supportive options:

• Idaho Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline (988) – Available 24/7 for anyone in distress.

• Boise Hive Behavioral Health Response Team – Community-based crisis supports with trained officers and coordinators.

• My Grief Connection – A hub for local grief events and virtual support groups.

• Psychology Today Listings – Counseling groups in Boise such as Growth After Grief and trauma-informed support circles.

• GriefShare Groups in Boise – Weekly sessions at St. Mark’s Catholic Community and Living Hope Bible Church, offering structured support for those grieving.

• Cross of Christ “Surviving the Holidays” Seminar – A one-night workshop designed to help participants navigate traditions and emotions during the season.

How Libélula Primary Care Can Help

At Libélula Primary Care, we recognize that grief during the Holidays affects both body and mind. Our bilingual, inclusive practice offers:

• Mental health support integrated into primary care visits.

• Telemedicine options for patients who prefer care from home.

• Community-centered referrals to local grief groups and counseling services.

• Safe, affirming space for Spanish-speaking and marginalized communities to process grief without stigma.

References

1. Idaho Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline (Dial 988) – https://www.idahocrisis.org

2. Boise Hive Behavioral Health Response Team – https://www.boisehive.org

3. My Grief Connection – https://www.mygriefconnection.org

4. Psychology Today (Boise Grief Counseling Listings) – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/grief/id/boise

5. GriefShare Boise – https://www.griefshare.org/groups/search

6. Cross of Christ Lutheran Church (Surviving the Holidays) – https://crossofchristboise.org

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