Navigating Grief this Holiday Season

Not everyone eagerly anticipates the holidays; those who are grieving the loss of a loved one might dread the season. While they are already in pain and devastated, the rest of society celebrates — which only makes these weeks more difficult. However, there are positive actions individuals or families can take to navigate this season and make the holidays meaningful, which I, as a counselor, outline in my book Grieving: A Spiritual Process for Catholics. The following suggestions offer a reassuring blend of spiritual support from Catholic wisdom and current best practice from the mental health field.