Food for Thought: Dealing with Grief during the Holidays

December 20, 2024

The holidays are an exciting time. However, special times such as the holidays can often trigger people to miss loved ones that have passed away. We all experience grief sometime during life, and loss is a part of life. Some may lose a loved one early in life, while others may live a long life before experiencing grief from losing a close friend or family member.

Grief is a natural reaction to loss. It is a normal response after the death of a family member or friend to grieve. Numerous other losses can also cause grief, such as the end of a relationship, moving to a new community, the death of a pet, a change of job, and illness. How we react to grief can affect our physical, mental, or emotional health.

No two people are the same, so it is unlikely that you will experience grief the exact same way as someone else. However, some of the more common experiences include:

· Difficulty concentrating

· Guilt

· Anger

· Sleep disturbances

· Loss of appetite

· Lack of motivation

· Withdrawal from others

· Deep sadness

Healthy grieving is an active process. The grieving process is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. Our experiences of grief are temporary if we acknowledge and work through our reactions instead of trying to shut them off. However, even after years of loss we may still experience a strong sense of grief at times, especially around influential periods such as a family wedding, the birth of a child, and holidays.

Coping with painful experiences is different for everyone. Here are some suggestions others have used to help through their grieving process:

· Exercise

· Eat healthy, good foods

· Be patient with yourself

· Let yourself feel grief

· Take time to relax

· Talk to family or friends

· Read books

· Try to avoid taking on new responsibilities for a time

· Join a support group

· Do something to help someone else

Just as grieving and coping with pain are different for everyone, a person should not let it damage their health or the people around them. If grief seems to be consuming a person’s life or interfering with normal activities after a period of time, professional help is advised.

Seafood Gumbo

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 can tuna, drained

1 can shrimp, drained

1-15 ounces can tomato sauce

1 can hot tap water OR 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes

¼ cup rice (uncooked)

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown onion and green peppers. Add remaining ingredients and heat thoroughly. You may add water if needed when using Ro-tel tomatoes. Simmer on low until rice is done. Submitted by: Phyllis McKinney, Gordonsville FCE Club.