Grief does not take a break during the holidays. In fact grief can be harder to handle during these times of celebrations and traditions. Understand that even though the holidays are a joyous time, you may not have that joy this year. It’s okay to honor your emotions and not feel like you always have to fake your joy. Although, there is some truth in the saying “fake it ’til you make it” but there are times it’s okay to not fake it. The following are some suggestions to help you through these next couple of months.
- Share with your loved ones your struggles to be present during the celebrations. Let them know how you are feeling so they don’t feel confused by your actions and attitudes. Let them help you. Sometimes by voicing our feelings we can help release them.
- Light a candle to honor your loved one during holiday meals and gatherings.
- Don’t feel guilty about changing holiday plans. Sending out holiday cards may not be a priority this year. Attending holiday parties may be too draining, or you can opt to make an appearance and leave early.
- Consider changing up the holidays. Spend it at a different place else or cook different foods.
- At the same time, it’s okay to cling to traditions that bring you comfort. Maybe your loved one enjoyed a certain meal or music this time of year and it brings you comfort to listen to that music and prepare that food.
- Make a donation to a charity in honor of your loved one.
- Adopt a family at the holidays. Churches and local charities usually have lists of families who need assistance. The joy of helping others can temporarily help lift your grief.
- Visit your loved one’s burial site. Leave flowers, a wreath, or charm recognizing/acknowledging the holiday.
- Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, do not self medicate with alcohol or drugs, do something nice for yourself, exercise.
- During a holiday gathering share your favorite memory of your loved one, tell a funny story, invite others to reminisce about their favorite memories also.
The most important thing to do is honor how you feel but don’t shut yourself off from others. This is not the time to isolate yourself. Reach out to others. Your family and friends want to help.
Founder, CEO at Arcy Healthcare
Hello,
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
My name is Jimmie Stapleton. I am the founder and CEO of Arcy Healthcare. Arcy Healthcare includes Arcy Hospice, Arcy Supportive Care, MaximaCare Home Health and Arcy at Home.
Arcy Hospice was opened in 2007 to provide care and support for individuals and families facing a life limiting illness. It was established after my wife Ellen, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had completed her chemo and radiation therapies. At that time, things were looking positive, and we wanted to do something for our community that had been so supportive of our family during her treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer returned a few years later, and she subsequently passed away under our care in 2010.
In the years that followed, I began to see the need to provide the same level of excellent care to patients across the continuum of care. Therefore, we have added a home health division (MaximaCare Home Health), a palliative care division (Arcy Supportive Care), and a home care division, (Arcy at Home). With the addition of these divisions, we can meet most of the post-acute care needs for you and your family in your home.
I started Arcy Hospice with my wife as my motivation to provide exceptional care and support in the patient’s home, where they are surrounded by family and where they feel most comfortable. I’m proud to say that our staff provides some of the best in home care in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
Please let us know if we can enrich the quality of life for you or a loved one.
Sincerely,
Jimmie Stapleton – Founder and CEO
Arcy Healthcare
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