Every year, Christmas seems to creep up on us out of nowhere, but especially in the years we need it the least. Christmas with grief doesn’t exactly make us feel up to partying, filling our stomachs with mince pies and laughing over mulled wine. The endless to-do lists that come with the holidays don’t help either. Just know that if you feel like this right now, that’s totally okay.
In fact, if you want to skip Christmas entirely this year, you absolutely can. You’re not letting anyone down; the people who love you will understand. Sometimes, self-preservation needs you to switch off the Christmas adverts, forgo a tree and just let December pass by quietly.
But if you feel that marking Christmas in some way might help you, perhaps even offering a space to remember and celebrate the person or pet you’re missing, then we’re here to help.
How to Plan for Christmas with Grief in Your Heart
In this blog, we’ll share some ideas for planning Christmas with grief in your heart. You don’t need to do all of them. In fact, you don’t need to do any of them. But if even one suggestion brings you a moment of calm or comfort, then it’s worth it.
Give Yourself Permission to Grieve as You Go
Christmas with grief is not the same as the Christmases that came before. The pressure to be joyful, to join in and to wear a smile can feel impossible. So please don’t force yourself into festivities you don’t want to take part in. Say no to events that feel too much and yes to the ones that feel more comfortable.
If you need to step outside, leave early and cry, then do just that. You deserve these moments to grieve just as you deserve the moments of happiness when they come
Plan Ahead
Grief has a way of slowing everything down. The simplest decisions can feel close to impossible to make and the smallest tasks can take longer than usual. That’s why it can help to think about Christmas earlier than you might normally.
Planning ahead means fewer last-minute stresses when December arrives. Instead, try to make some lists and spread out tasks over the weeks. And as always, don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you. We guarantee they’re desperate for ways to help you make your Christmas with grief just a little easier.
Keep Traditions That Bring Comfort & Let Go of the Rest
It’s okay if some traditions feel painful this year. You don’t have to decorate the tree, cook the same meal or send cards if it doesn’t feel right. Choose the traditions that bring comfort and give yourself permission to leave the others behind.
You might even start a new tradition in memory of your loved one like lighting a candle, cooking their favourite dish or watching a film they loved. These small acts can make Christmas with grief feel more manageable.
Focus on Meaningful Gifting
When your heart is heavy, gift-buying can feel like another chore. But meaningful gifts, like the kind that truly connect us to the people we love, can bring comfort, both to give and to receive.
Think about thoughtful Christmas gifts that hold memories or that reflect the values of the person you’re missing like Handwriting Memorials engraved with your loved one’s real words or even a Photo Keepsake engraved with their smiling face.
Memorial Gifts: Honouring Their Memory at Christmas
For many, the holidays can be a time to celebrate those who are no longer here. Choosing a gift in their honour can make Christmas with grief feel less about what’s missing and more about what they’ve left behind.
This could be something simple, like a Handwriting Christmas Ornament for the tree, or something lasting, like a piece of memorial jewellery. At Inscripture, we create pieces designed to carry memory with you, from handwriting jewellery and photo jewellery to ashes keepsakes, pawprint and nose print jewellery, and fingerprint designs.
Many people find that having something tangible to hold or wear helps them feel close to the ones they’re missing, especially during the holidays.
Closing Thoughts
Christmas with grief will never be the same as it once was, and that’s okay. Whether you choose to celebrate, skip it altogether or find a new way of marking the season, know that there’s no right or wrong. Take things at your own pace and hold onto the memories that matter most.
And if you feel a memorial gift could bring you or someone you love comfort this Christmas, we’d be honoured to help you find something meaningful. Whenever you feel ready, our Memorial Jewellery & Keepsakes collection is ready to be explored.
