Dealing with the loss of a loved one can be difficult and overwhelming at any time of year, but especially so around the holidays. Times of family togetherness are when loved ones are missed the most. Hospice of Emanuel is holding a “Coping with the Holidays” workshop to help family members through this holiday season. The workshop will include information about what works, and what doesn’t work when family members are coping with the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. “A big part of the event will be a panel of people who have lost loved ones – husband-wife, brother-sister, or children – who will talk about how they learned to get through the holidays,” said Hospice of Emanuel Supervisor Laura Springston.One piece of advice is to allow old traditions to end and begin new ones. “If you always had Christmas Eve dinner with that person who is now gone, go somewhere new for Christmas Eve this year,” Springston suggested. “Doing the same thing just brings emphasis to the loss.” Memorializing loved ones is also a suggested strategy. “Buy a tree, light a candle, give a gift they would have loved to someone else who wouldn’t have gotten a gift otherwise,” she said. “They all help.”There will be more information available at the free workshop, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave. No pre-registration is required.
Free workshop set to help those coping with the loss of a loved one during the holidays
