SZN. 4 Ep. 6/ Coping with Grief During the Holidays

The holiday season can intensify grief, making the absence of loved ones feel especially acute. Alexandria Gohla, MSW, LCSW, Ed.S, explains that holiday grief often includes “secondary losses,” such as missing shared traditions and roles, and can be amplified by societal pressures to appear cheerful. Practical strategies for coping include giving yourself permission to feel, creating new rituals of remembrance, communicating your needs to loved ones, balancing solitude with connection, caring for your body, and seeking support through therapy or support groups. By honoring both sorrow and love, you can navigate the holidays with compassion and carry your loved one’s memory in a meaningful way.