During the holiday season, many reminisce about spending time with their family and friends. After losing a loved one, the holidays can feel different and trigger feelings of anger, emptiness and sadness. You may begin to feel more aware of how much you miss your special person because those feelings of celebration, happiness and joy are missing in their absence. These feelings of loss may never go away and the love you feel for them is forever. There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a loved one. Grief is not linear, and feelings often change quickly. We encourage you to let yourself experience and move through each one of them. Please know that it is okay to modify the way you approach the holidays.
Many find comfort in spending the holidays the way they are ‘used’ to spending them or completely replacing holiday traditions with new ones. It may be helpful to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable being vulnerable around. Do not be afraid to be completely transparent with anyone about how the holiday season makes you feel. This encourages them to meet you where you are and not push you to a point of discomfort (intentionally or unintentionally).
Grief should never be viewed as a sign of weakness. It represents how much you care for your loved one. Losing this person is incredibly painful and we encourage you to not be harsh on yourself whenever you feel angry or sad. It is important in those moments to take care of yourself emotionally, mentally and physically. A special way that we suggest honoring your loved one during the holidays is making their favorite dish or having everyone share their most memorable stories and experiences with them. These little moments can bring joy to trying times.
If you are searching for further information and support about moving through your grief, we encourage you to consider attending one of our support groups. Nevada Donor Network hosts a range of grief support groups in collaboration with local grief organizations. Meet and interact with others coping with grief. As always, we come together to share our stories and provide one another with unconditional support. We invite you and your loved ones to participate or just observe. Join us whenever you are available. All of our groups are virtual, free and open to the public. Register using the links below:
- Camp Cope For Children and Teens-
- Help children and teens communicate about their grief and learn coping skills through activities with others who share similar life-changing experiences.
- When: Every Third Wednesday at 5:30 P.M. PST.
- Where: Register Here.
- General Adult Group-
- Facilitated by our Volunteer, Shane Chapple, Certified Professional Counselor.
- When: Every Other Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. PST.
- Where: Register Here.
- Men's Only Group-
- Provided in partnership with Emilio Parga from The Solace Tree.
- When: Every Other Tuesday at 5:30 P.M. PST.
- Where: Register Here.
- Suicide Loss Group-
- Provided in partnership with Emilio Parga from The Solace Tree.
- When: Every Other Wednesday at 5:30 P.M. PST.
- Where: Register Here.
In addition, our Aftercare web page (Nevada Donor Network Aftercare) has information on the following:
- Honoring Your Loved One
- Online Grief Resources
- Northern Nevada Resources
- Southern Nevada Resources
- Share Your Loved One's Story
- Writing to Recipients
If you have any questions or want someone to talk to, please contact Aftercare at aftercare@nvdonor.org or (702) 317-1116. We are here to listen.