Have you lost a loved one in the past year? Do you avoid celebrating holidays because of missing a lost loved one? If you are missing a friend or family member who passed away, then you may not think the holidays are a joyous time.

The holidays are a time of getting together with family and friends. Are you dreading upcoming holiday events in the Greater Vancouver area because you miss someone who is no longer here to share them with you?

If you want to know more about the holidays and grief, 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 what you can do if you don’t feel like celebrating.

Holidays mark the passing of time. The website Grief.com* says that since holidays are about being with those we love the most, it can be hard to cope when those loved ones are lost. This interview is a chance to learn how to get through the holidays without those who’ve passed away.

When You Aren’t Up to Celebrating

The episode kicks off with Valerie launching right into the topic of what you should do if you’re not up to celebrating the holidays and getting together with others for social events.

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first holiday season or your fifth that you have to go through without someone you care about who has passed away, grief always feels worse around these types of milestone events.

If your heart isn’t in it for celebratory affairs and you feel like avoiding social engagements altogether, then Valerie has some advice for how you can deal with that, too.

Should You Stay or Should You Go

Then Valerie offers advice on how to respond to people who insist that you celebrate the holidays to distract you from mourning. She also answers these questions about the holidays and grief.

- Is it wrong for me to want to celebrate the holidays if I’m mourning?
- What happens if I RSVP yes and then have second thoughts?
- Do I need to worry about other people’s feelings when I’m grieving?

Now ask yourself these two questions: Do I dread celebrating the holidays without lost loved ones? Could I use tips on how to reply to invitations to social events?

If you answered “Yes” to either or both, then you might want to contact a Vancouver funeral home for advice about mourning during the holidays.

Enduring the Ups and Downs of Holiday Grief

Next Valerie talks about the wide range of emotions we experience after someone we love passes away, and different ways that we might experience them during the holiday season.

During this time of year the media often depicts winter holidays as a time of peace on earth. Grief however can wreak havoc on the way you feel and make life anything but peaceful.

Funeral homes have the resources available to help you move through the phases of grief, even during the holidays. What’s stopping you from exploring what Martin Brothers has to offer?

The episode wraps up with Valerie sharing a few final bits of encouragement for anyone preparing for the holidays and grief.

Are You Grieving Someone This Holiday Season?

Do you need advice for how to grieve through the holidays? Are you unsure how to RSVP to invitations to social gatherings? We look forward to answering your questions and reading your personal experiences with this topic inthe space below after you’re finished listening to the episode.

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