(NAPSA)—Thehustle and bustle of the holidays can be overwhelming for everyone. For those coping with the loss of a loved one, the thought of gathering with family and friends to share the happiness and joy of the season can make the holidays seem even more daunting. Even if the loss is not recent, feeling grief at this time of yearis normal. There are things that can be done to help ease the pain that some may feel during the holidays. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)offers the following suggestions to help the bereaved cope with their loss: Don’t Avoid Celebrating The Holidays While you may not feel up to celebrating the holidays in the same way, you cannot avoid the season entirely. While you may be in pain, do not cut yourself off from family and friends. Celebrating the holidays, even in small ways, is a way of facing your grief and movingon. Acknowledge That Things Will Be Different This Year Well-meaning family or friends may want to help you by carrying on as they always have. It’s important to recognize that, while celebrations will still go on, family gatheringswill not be the same as they once were. Cherish Your Memories Talking about your loved one and sharing the memories ofholidays past can help ease one’s pain. Think about participating in memorial services held during the holidays at your place of worship or family funeral home. Do Something Special To Honor Your Loved One Doing something to pay tribute to your loved one is a way to recognize his or her importance in your life. Consider placing a candle in a special area of your home. If you live within driving distance of the cemetery, decorate the grave site Celebrating the holidays, even in small ways, is a way of facing your grief and moving on. with a holiday theme—special flowers, evergreen branches, pinecones or other religious symbols. Think about taking the money you might have spent on a gift for your loved one and donate it to a charity in your loved one’s name. Express Your Grief While you may have stopped crying weeks or monthsago, if you feel an urge to cry, let the tears flow. It will be therapeutic and offer a release. Take Care Of Your Health Don’t forget to eat balanced, nutritious meals. Do not overindulge in alcohol. Get enough sleep. Find an exercise to enjoy (walking, running, aerobics) and do it regularly. If you don’t feel well, see your physician. Don’t Forget About The Children The young people in your family mayalso be feeling overwhelmed by grief during the holidays. Be there for them. Encourage them to share what they’re feeling and to share their special holiday memories. While the days and weeks to come maybedifficult, you will get through them. For additional information about coping with grief, visit www.nfda.org or contact your local NFDA funeral director about aftercare programs.
