Finding Light in a Difficult Season; Coping with Grief During the Festive Period

Christmas time can be difficult to navigate when dealing with the grief and loss of a loved one, especially in the first year of bereavement.  Feelings of intensified sadness, loneliness and social isolation are more common at this time of year than any other.  Local funeral directors play a critical role, offering bereavement support, guidance and empathy.  We hope you may find some help and comfort in our advice below to guide you through what can be a very difficult period for many.

Quiet, Personal Acts of Remembrance

There are many personal ways to honour and remember a loved one at Christmas.  Displaying a favourite photograph, hanging a cherished bauble on the Christmas tree, lighting a candle in their memory, writing a letter expressing how much you miss them, or simply setting aside some quiet time to reflect and remember.  All are ways to acknowledge your grief and loss, and to honour precious memories of beloved family members.

Acts of Kindness

In times of grief, it can be comforting to find small, meaningful ways to honour the person you’ve lost. You may choose to donate to a charity, or volunteer some time to support a charity, close to a loved one’s heart.  Supporting those in need, doing a small deed or act of kindness, or donating a gift in memory, can be a gentle way to reflect the values and love of those close to heart. Even the smallest gesture can offer comfort to you and meaningful support to others during a time when kindness matters most.

Connect and Communicate

Talking about your loved one and your experience with family and friends can help you remember them fondly and process your own feelings.  Sharing stories and reminiscing, and browsing photos together, can remind of happy times and love shared.  Creating a memory box of mementos and notes to capture experiences and memories can also offer time for reflection, connection, and comfort as you navigate your grief.

Spiritual and Religious

Many find peace and reassurance in spiritual healing or religion at times of loss.  Spaces that offer time for calm, peace and reflection away from the demands of everyday life can help you to process your grief and emotions. Communities often offer services and gatherings at Christmas time for those who have lost loved ones to come together to reflect and remember.

Prioritise your Wellbeing and Self Care

Whilst often not a priority during grief, it’s really important to look after yourself, especially during the winter period.  Try to eat well, rest, and be kind to yourself.  Walking or gentle exercise in the outdoors during daylight hours can offer calm and a quiet sense of grounding.  Allow yourself to take a break from certain traditions or obligations that Christmas can bring, and process your emotions without self-judgment.

Seek Support from Professionals

If your grief feels intensified, reach out to professional support services which can be found locally or nationally. As local funeral directors working across the Dundee community for many years, our teams can direct you to local groups and charities that can offer help and support.

Speak to our Team at Your Nearest James Ashton & Son Branch 

Dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one is very difficult, especially at Christmas time.

At James Ashton & Son, our empathetic teams can direct you to find the bereavement support you need. 

Get in touch to speak to one of the team at any of our four premises across the region. All of our branches are a part of the James Ashton & Son Ltd group, but operate independently so that your arrangements are taken care of by a team you know and at a premises you are familiar with. Our branches:    

1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS 

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN   

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ   

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)