Handling Grief During the Holidays: Finding Comfort in Connection
By Hope Shenk
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for those coping with loss, it can feel like an isolating and overwhelming reminder of what—or who—is missing. If you're navigating grief during the holidays, you're not alone. There is comfort to be found, especially through meaningful connections, prayer, and support from others who care.
This blog will explore how grief can impact us during this time of year and offer practical, faith-centered strategies to help you find peace. Whether you'd like to grow closer to God, connect with loved ones, or consider Christian counseling as a path forward, this guide is written with compassion and hope.
Why the Holidays Can Feel More Difficult After Loss
Grieving is a deeply personal and an unclear process. Significant dates like Christmas or Thanksgiving can become emotional triggers, bringing up memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. While others are preparing to celebrate traditions, you may feel like you're just trying to make it through the day and holidays.
The Pressure of Holiday Cheer
The constant presence of festive music, lights, and commercials can feel isolating when you're grieving. Society's expectation that everyone should be celebrating often creates guilt or shame for those who aren't feeling joyful.
I can relate to this as I personally lost my grandfather last year a few days before Christmas, and the funeral was Christmas Eve. Because of the timing of his unexpected passing, it was really hard for me to come back from the funeral and be happy about Christmas Eve and Christmas the next day. As it's been almost a year, I have been experiencing similar feelings, and have associated the month of December and the holidays with these feelings and with loss. If you’re in the same position as me, or feeling a similar way, it’s important to acknowledge how you’re feeling and what you can do to still enjoy the holidays.
Missing Their Presence
Whether it’s an empty chair at the dinner table or unwrapping gifts without your loved one, these moments can be especially touching. Traditions that once brought joy may now feel bittersweet.
The grief you feel in these moments is natural. It reflects how much you loved and valued the person you lost. Remember, even Jesus grieved openly—He wept for Lazarus (John 11:35)—and this shows us that it's okay to feel our pain and to grieve.
5 Faith-Centered Strategies for Finding Comfort
During difficult times, faith, community, and support can provide a path for healing. Here are five ways to care for your heart this holiday season:
1. Allow Yourself to Feel What's Real
It's tempting to suppress your feelings to meet others' expectations of holiday cheer. However, grief isn’t something you can "skip” or bottle up. Feelings like sadness, anger, or loneliness are part of the healing process. Take time to honor your emotions rather than push them away.
Schedule moments of solitude where you allow yourself to pray, journal, or express your feelings openly.
2. Lean on Your Support System
God designed us to live in connection and community with others. Whether it's a friend, family member, church leader, or counselor, allow people around you to walk this road of grief alongside you. Sharing your feelings with someone who listens with empathy can lighten your burden.
3. Modify Traditions to Honor Their Memory
You don’t have to follow the same traditions just because it’s always been done that way. Consider adapting or creating new traditions to honor your loved one’s memory while keeping the holidays meaningful to you.
Ideas for Honoring Memory
Set up a special decoration, such as an ornament or candle, in their honor.
Write down your favorite memories with them and read these as a family.
Volunteer in their name—for example, serving at a homeless shelter or donating to causes they cared about.
4. Ground Yourself in Faith
Grief reminds us of the fragility of life and draws us closer to God. When the holidays feel overwhelming, turn to scripture and prayer for comfort. Knowing your loved one is safe in His hands provides a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Scripture for Reflection
Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you."
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Grief can feel heavy to carry, but you don’t have to carry it alone. Speaking with a licensed Christian counselor can provide you with tools to manage your emotions, deepen your spiritual reliance, and regain hope.
How Counseling Can Help
At Christian Counseling of Tampa, we integrate faith with evidence-based therapeutic techniques personalized to your unique situation. Our caring therapists can help you explore your grief in a safe and supportive space while honoring your values.
Turning Grief into Connection This Holiday Season in Tampa, FL
The holidays can be challenging when faced with loss, but they can also be an opportunity to connect—to God, to your loved ones, and to the memories you cherish.
If you're ready to take that next step, Christian Counseling of Tampa would be honored to guide you. Our compassionate counselors understand the complexities of grief and are here to help you find comfort, strength, and hope.
Start Your Healing Journey
Reach out to us today to schedule a session or learn more about how faith-based therapy can support you through this season. You don’t have to face your grief alone—healing is possible, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Read more about Counseling for grief in Tampa, FL:
10 Tampa, FL Activities That Can Help You Cope and Heal From Trauma
We can offer support for grieving from our North Tampa, FL office located in the Northdale neighborhood and our South Tampa, FL office. To start therapy, follow these simple steps:
Contact Christian Counseling of Tampa
Meet with a caring therapist
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA
Counseling for individuals grieving isn't the only service offered by our Tampa, FL-based practice. Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. Other services offered include child therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!