The holidays are a special time, but grieving someone who isn’t there to spend them with you can present challenges. Have you ever had to go through a holiday without someone who passed away? How did you cope with it? It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our grief.

No two people grieve exactly the same way. Someone laughing and chatting away may be suffering deep inside. Does this sound like someone you know? Or does it possibly sound like you?

If you want to know more about grief and the holidays, then listen to this episode of Forever in their Hearts, where host Erik Reynolds talks with Valerie Martell, Director of Operations for Martin Brothers Funeral Services about the challenge of getting through the holidays while grieving a loved one lost.

Going through holiday traditions and customs without the people we love can be difficult. This interview is an opportunity to learn how to meet and overcome those challenges.

Why Do We Miss People More around the Holidays?

The episode kicks off with Valerie explaining a few reasons why it’s hard to get through the holidays if you’re still mourning the loss of someone you care about.

Trying to act like a big, happy, normal family around the holidays is difficult enough. When you blend grief and the holidays, then the stress can be overwhelming.

If you are facing the holidays without a beloved family member or friend, then don’t wait until celebrations and events are underway. Use this podcast as a guideline for knowing what to expect and getting through it.

Getting Through the Holidays with the New Normal

Then Valerie goes on to explain strategies for getting through these tough times. During the podcast she answers these and similar questions:

- Do I have to do the same things I always did before my loved one died?
- What are some things I can do to honor my loved one lost at the holidays?
- Is it okay to go on with normal celebrations as if nothing has changed?
- How can I help someone who is grieving a loved one through the holidays?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Is there someone I miss during the holiday season? Could I use more tips for dealing with grief and the holidays? If you answered “Yes” to either or both questions, then listening to this podcast can be the first step to getting through it.

Helping Someone Else Grieve through the Holidays

Next Valerie explains how to help a friend or family member get through the holidays. During the podcast she offers tips and stories based on her experiences in the funeral home industry.

There are so many wonderful holiday celebrations that happen in Vancouver, British Columbia. Mourning the loss of a loved one can make it difficult to get through them, however.

The episode concludes with Valerie offering some final thoughts on grief and the holidays.

Who Are You Missing this Holiday Season?

Do you dread going through the holidays without a lost loved one? Could you use tips on how to help someone else who is grieving through the holidays? After listening to the podcast, please share your comments and questions below, where we can talk through them together.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services has more than 100 years of experience in providing thoughtful, dedicated services to families dealing with loss. If you are ready to take care of funeral pre-arrangements, have additional questions about their services, or are dealing with a loss, please contact them at their Vancouver office.

Martin Brothers Funeral Services

Vancouver: Funeral Services Centre
3398 Dunbar Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6S 2C1

Telephone Number: 778.330.7799
Toll Free Number: 1.800.382.2901
Fax Number: 778.330.7633

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartinBrothersFuneralChapelsBcLtd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martinbrothers1