How To Help, and Not Hurt the Grieving at the Holidays.
- Invite but do not expect: Always include the grieving however, give them a way out. Let them know you want them to participate and you are okay if they cannot.
- Give them permission: Grant permission to be however they feel. Let them know if it gets too much they can leave and no one will be hurt.
- Share your care: Say in your words that you care, you realize they are tender and you’re here.
- Do not give advice: Do not tell the griever how they should feel. Do not tell them what they should do. It is not your grief, it is theirs alone.
- Different is okay: Everyone is unique and so is the grief. You may not feel the same or need the same things.
- Ask if they need to talk or share.
- Ask what they would like to do in your time together. Do they want to do the same traditions or try something new?
- Honor their beloved: Do not avoid talking about the deceased. Sharing memories or saving an empty chair is a nice way to honor the loved one.