For many, December brings lights, music, and cheerful gatherings. But if you’re grieving, this season can feel like a cruel contradiction: the world expects joy, while your heart is heavy with loss.
Whether you’re mourning the death of a loved one, navigating estrangement, or coping with complicated grief from the past; it’s okay to not feel okay during the holidays.
At Journey Psychology in Sherwood Park, we understand that grief doesn’t follow a calendar. We offer support, space, and personalized care to help you navigate this tender time of year; without pressure, shame, or unrealistic expectations.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Grieving
Grief isn’t something to “fix; and it’s not a linear path. It may come in waves, especially during emotionally charged times like Christmas or New Year’s.
You might find yourself:
- Feeling numb or disconnected while others are celebrating
- Dreading traditions you used to enjoy
- Crying unexpectedly or feeling overwhelmed by small things
- Feeling guilt about experiencing joy; or guilt for not feeling it
These are all normal, human responses. You’re not broken. You’re carrying something incredibly heavy. And you don’t have to carry it alone.
When Self-Care Looks Like Saying “No”
December tends to bring pressure to be social, give generously, smile for family photos, and be “grateful for what you have.”
But for those grieving, self-care during the holidays might mean:
- Skipping certain gatherings altogether
- Leaving events early when it becomes too much
- Setting boundaries around conversations or expectations
- Crying when you need to, even during dinner
- Creating new traditions; or choosing none at all
This is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help. At Journey Psychology, ACT teaches you how to hold space for painful emotions without letting them define or overwhelm you. You don’t have to fake cheer. You’re allowed to show up as you are.
Explore more about ACT therapy in Sherwood Park.
Making Room for Both Grief and Joy
One of the hardest things about grieving during the holidays is the emotional whiplash: you might laugh at a movie one moment, then cry over a memory the next.
That’s not wrong. That’s what grief looks like. It’s complicated, layered, and deeply personal.
Our therapists often work with people navigating:
- Grief after a recent loss
- Complicated or prolonged grief
- Depression triggered by the holidays
- PTSD or trauma anniversaries
- Loneliness from family estrangement
Whether you’re facing your first holiday without someone, or it’s been years and the pain still resurfaces, grief therapy in Sherwood Park can provide support.
Practical Ways to Cope With Grief During the Holidays
Here are some therapist-recommended practices we use with clients at Journey Psychology:
1. Plan Ahead for Emotional Safety
Decide ahead of time which events you’ll attend, and who you’ll lean on. Set an “exit strategy” if needed. You can always change your mind.
2. Create a Grief-Friendly Ritual
Light a candle, write a letter to your loved one, or visit a place that brings comfort. Small gestures can create sacred space for your emotions.
3. Acknowledge the Loss, Out Loud
Speak their name. Share a memory. Say what you miss. You don’t need to pretend they weren’t part of your life just because it’s December.
4. Give Yourself Permission to Feel
You might feel anger, guilt, joy, or even relief. All emotions are valid. There’s no right way to grieve.
Supporting Children or Teens Through Holiday Grief
If you’re a parent or caregiver, you may also be supporting young people through loss.
Kids often process grief differently. They may act out, withdraw, or ask big questions at unexpected times. We offer Therapeutic Play and child-centered support to help them process their emotions in a developmentally safe way.
Teens benefit from talking with a therapist who gets it. Our team provides age-appropriate, judgment-free support to help them navigate grief, anxiety, and seasonal stress.
Why Therapy Can Be a Lifeline
Grief is heavy. It’s not meant to be carried alone.
At Journey Psychology, our therapists use evidence-based approaches like:
- CBT to reframe self-blame and challenge hopelessness
- ACT to create space for emotions and values-based action
- DBT for emotional regulation during painful triggers
- SFT to focus on small, doable steps forward
No matter what your loss looks like, you deserve support. And we’re here to walk beside you; without judgment.
You Don’t Have to “Get Over It”; You Just Deserve to Be Supported
This December, it’s okay if your joy looks different. It’s okay to feel sad when others are celebrating. It’s okay to grieve, to rest, to withdraw; and to return to joy when you’re ready.
If you’re ready to explore holiday grief support in Sherwood Park, we invite you to book your complimentary 15-minute consultation with one of our compassionate therapists.
You don’t need to be “strong” all the time. You just need a safe place to land.