Finding Hope in Grief During the Holiday Season
- Wise Psychic Counsellor
- Dec 24, 2024
- 3 min read
December often marks the joyous beginning of the Christmas season, but for many, it is a time filled with grief, making it one of the hardest months of the year. Grief triggers are everywhere, and whether you lost someone recently or years ago, the holidays can bring heartache as you miss those you’ve lost.
So how can you find hope if you find yourself grieving this holiday season?
Acknowledge the Loss of Hope
The first step in finding hope is recognising that you’ve experienced a loss—not just of a loved one but also of the hopes and dreams tied to them. You may feel the loss of:
The hope that your loved one would be with you this holiday season.
The vision of how the holidays used to be.
The belief that your life would continue as it once was.
Feeling a sense of hopelessness is a natural and initial part of the grieving process. However, acknowledging this loss of hope is the first step toward regaining it.
Know That You Are Not Alone
Grief can feel isolating, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many have walked this path before and have found hope again.
Hope after loss is not just possible—it can be transformed into something even more profound. By taking steps such as:
Allowing yourself to grieve fully.
Seeking emotional support from loved ones.
Consulting mental health professionals if needed.
Finding meaning in your loss.
You can slowly begin to restore and reshape your hope. This process looks different for everyone and might include appreciating the time you had with your loved one, cherishing lessons they taught you, or gaining a new sense of gratitude for your own life.
Shift to Present-Oriented Hope
Research identifies two types of hope: future-oriented hope and present-oriented hope. While future-oriented hope focuses on long-term aspirations, such as cures or distant resolutions, present-oriented hope encourages finding joy in the "here and now."
In the context of grief, present-oriented hope can be found in small, meaningful actions:
Spending quality time with loved ones.
Hanging Christmas lights or continuing family traditions.
Treating yourself to your favourite coffee.
These small moments of joy help anchor you in the present, allowing hope to grow even in the midst of pain.
Make Space for Both Grief and Hope
Grief and hope are not mutually exclusive. You can experience both, often in waves. It’s important to create space for these emotions to coexist.
Many grieving individuals feel guilty for moments of joy during the holiday season. However, these moments are not only normal but necessary. Allow yourself to embrace them when they come—they are signs of healing and resilience.
Understand What Hope Is (and Is Not)
Hope is not about denying the pain of grief or forcing yourself into a state of positivity. It’s not wishful thinking or avoidance of reality. Instead, hope is an active form of coping, a source of resilience that keeps us moving forward.
Hope allows us to:
Experience greater happiness and positive emotions.
Build emotional resilience.
Reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
While grief may feel like a part of you has died with your loved one, hope can nurture new life and purpose if you let it take root.
My Wish for You This Holiday Season
For those grieving during this holiday season, my hope is that you find light in the darkness. May hope glimmer in the moments of despair, offering you comfort and strength when you need it most.
About Wise Psychic Counselling
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