A message of support and encouragement from Liz Fletcher, leader of High Peak Community & Voluntary Support’s (CVS) Bereavement Support Groups…

Please allow me to begin by stating the obvious…

Christmas will be difficult for all of you who have lost a loved one this year.

I think that it’s important to state this clearly as we embark on a season which is geared relentlessly towards togetherness.  In short, there’s every likelihood that this will be at odds with how life feels for you at this point in time.

There are likely to be myriad reminders of past celebrations… and an even greater longing for a time when our loved one remained at our side.

Surviving Christmas… while taking care of yourself

It’s my belief that there’s no right way to tackle Christmas while you’re grieving. The most important thing is that you’re compassionate with your own expectations of yourself.

You may be struggling physically, not sleeping as well as normal or having trouble concentrating or remembering things.  If so, please don’t be too hard on yourself.  Prioritise rest, exercise, healthy eating… and ‘time out’ for yourself. What’s more, you might also need to let others’ expectations of you take more of a back seat.

Ask yourself what you need from Christmas this year? Do you need to find solace in the familiar – possibly involving your loved one in any way that feels right? For example, do you feel the need to write them a card or possibly visit their grave? Or do you need to avoid the rituals and gatherings altogether?

There’s no right or wrong way of coping… There’s only the best way for you at this point in time.

Concluding thoughts…

Grief is deeply personal and the way you experience it will invariably be unique to you. But this Christmas – like all that follow – it’s essential that you listen to and acknowledge the way you truly feel.  If things do get too much, please do take the time to look at our Emotional First Aid Kit.

Be sure to take good care of yourself and do what’s right for you. I genuinely hope that you’re able to find moments of peace – and even joy – this festive period.

“We know life has changed unrecognisably. As we grapple to make some sense of this new place, we’ll take appropriate steps together. And please remember; you can’t force growth after a forest fire…”
A quote from Liz drawing on the work of author and grief expert Megan Devine.

All the High Peak CVS Bereavement Support Groups will resume in January 2026.

Our bereavement resources remain available online throughout the festive period at:  https://highpeakcvs.org.uk/bereavement-resources