Dear Dr. B,

My father’s wife died last December, and although he seems to be moving forward, I know this first Christmas without her must be hard. He’s not always so communicative though. How can I help and encourage him?

Wanting to Encourage

 

Dear Encourager,

First, let me say I’m so proud of you for keeping your father’s grief in the forefront of your mind. Too often what I see is that people are very concerned and caring in the initial days following someone’s loss, but then after the funeral life gets back to normal for everyone else and the grieving are often forgotten in their grief and loss. Everyone’s grief schedule is different, and while some will start to experience a lessening of the intensity of their pain after 9-12 months, for others it may take years.

Let me also take the time to mention that grief does not just affect those who have lost friends and loved ones due to death. Grief can affect those who have lost relationships due to divorce or break-up, separation because of military or employment responsibility, or loss due to job layoffs and termination, just to name a few other scenarios.

Grief at Christmas: 10 ways to help a loved one who is grieving

1. People handle grief in different ways.

Pay attention to how your loved one handles grief. When it comes to supporting those who are grieving, always try to take your cues from them. Because everyone’s grief reaction is individual to them, what they need and want will be different from others’ needs and desires.

2. Don’t assume. Ask.

Never make assumptions about what helps your loved one. Ask.

3. Ask your father if it helps to talk about his wife.

For some, talking about the one for whom they grieve helps, but for others, it just intensifies their grief.

4. Celebrating traditions may help.

Ask your father if he’d like to continue to celebrate some of the traditions he shared with his wife. This may allow him to continue to feel close to her and cherish her memory.

5. Gifts of remembrance

Given that you’re headed into Christmas, many companies make ornaments that specifically honor loved ones no longer with us. You may consider purchasing such an ornament for your father in honor of his wife. Alternatively, you may choose to frame one of the better pictures of her or of them together as a gift of remembrance for him.

6. Tokens of love

As a token of love, consider doing something with your father in memory of his wife such as planting a tree in her honor. Alternately, consider making a donation in her honor to one of her favorite causes or charities.

7. Let your loved one cry.

Let him cry if he needs to, and don’t hide your tears from him if you feel so inclined to cry with him. The Bible encourages us to laugh with those who laugh and to weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

8. Show sympathy and compassion.

Be understanding and compassionate if your father seems more distant, quiet, or removed from the conversation or social engagement this year as he may have from years past.

9. Participation in events

Encourage his participation in events so that he will feel welcome and loved, but respect his wishes if he’d rather observe from the sidelines. During times of grief, even the simplest of interactions can take excessive effort.

10. Just being there speaks louder than words

While we always want to have the right thing to say to someone who is grieving, often just listening and being present is what helps the most. You can’t take away their grief, but you can comfort and validate their feelings. Hold his hand, give him a hug, or a squeeze on the shoulder. A knowing touch says more than words ever can. Practice the art of listening.

 

 

10 Ways to Help the Grieving at Christmas

Holidays are hard following the loss of a loved one. You can’t take away your loved one’s grief but you can be present to provide comfort in their grief. Click through for a more in depth look at helping those experiencing grief at Christmas. #grief #Christmas

 

 

Just as Ecclesiastes 3:1 comforts us, to everything there is a season. Mourning will not last forever, but only God knows how long your father’s grief will last. Be there for him now, then you will have the honor and privilege of being there for him when his joy returns.

More help for the grieving:

Help for the Grief-Stricken: 3 Anchors that Held Me in Grief

Resources for grieving adults and grieving children

Ask Dr B Helping the Grieving at Christmas Ecclesiastes 3 by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Because of Him,
Hope Prevails

 

(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)

 

Contact

 

Many wonder how they can help their loved ones who experience grief at Christmas. People handle grief in different ways. How can you be there for them and provide comfort to them in their time of need? Read more for 10 ways you can help the grieving at Christmas. #grief #Christmas

 

 

 

2K Shares
Share502
Tweet2
Pin1K
Share
Email
%d