Tips for coping at Christmas

Be Prepared: Think about what is best for you and your family. Some people will just want to cancel Christmas or maybe do something completely different like volunteering for the day. Others find celebrating as normal is important, or may need to keep going for the sake of the children.

Remember a loved one: It can help to bring memories of loved ones into the celebrations. You could include a visit to their grave, or a place that was special to them. You may have photos or particular memories which you treasure and look at alone, or share with others.

Look after yourself: Christmas can be a time of over-indulgence with food and alcohol. Using alcohol to escape the pain of loss only brings temporary relief. Try to keep to regular patterns of sleeping and eating. Get out and enjoy the fresh air, exercise is a great way to relax.

Take time for you: Don't be alarmed if your emotions take over, just take some time for yourself, no one will judge you. Remember there is no right way to grieve, and keep talking. Keep plans flexible and allow yourself to change your mind. As time passes, Christmas can be a time to focus on memories of good times shared in the past. But it can also be an intensely emotional time. Be kind to yourself, and ask for help if you need it.

Information taken from Cruse Bereavement Care. To find out more about this wonderful charity go to: https://www.cruse.org.uk/