Grieving during the holiday season can be difficult. If you are struggling with grief during what is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, then I encourage you to join me on healing through utilizing some of the measures I describe in this blog.

Perhaps this is your first Christmas with a new partner or as a married couple, and you’re wondering, how’s this going to go? The thought of sharing the holidays with a partner or spouse could bring up a myriad of emotions – excitement, relief, anxiety, curiosity, gratitude, sadness… you name it! Read on for some helpful tips for how to manage your time (and emotions) as a couple this holiday season.

Boundaries are a way to do what is acceptable and satisfying for you and your relationships as opposed to only thinking of others. Setting boundaries over the holidays can help you enjoy your time, energy and relationships in a new and more authentic way.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a happy time of celebration, connection, and gratitude. However, like most celebrations, it can be a complex experience for many people, especially if you have experienced loss. While a loss can encompass the death or absence of important people, pets, and relationships in your life, the experience of grief can also be connected to a loss of tradition, closeness, or an imagined future you hold for yourself and others. Holiday grief feels more real and present this year as many of us have been rocked by natural disaster, distance, and the ongoing collective trauma of the pandemic.

There are so many things that have an impact on these feelings of “joy and happiness” such as: the search for that perfect gift; cooking/baking for friends and family; dealing with the your own family dynamics AND the in-laws; missing those special people who have moved away or have passed before us; and, don’t forget the never-ending stress of how much money spent on gifts is enough, and how much is too much? If that list wasn’t long enough, this is Christmas number two coping with the effects of COVID-19! Here are six ways to help you cope with holiday stress.

You do not want to miss out on this delicious, nutrient-packed, festive eggnog pudding that is egg and dairy free and made with…tofu! Unlike the eggnog and pudding you typically find at the grocery store (full of sugar, inflammatory oils, additives, and questionable ingredients), this recipe is made of whole, unprocessed ingredients, is low in sugar and packed with protein, healthy fats and tons of nutrients. It is also one of the simplest dessert recipes you will ever make! It does take a few hours to set though, so be sure to make it in advance.

Okay, so now that I reminded you of this ‘blah’ weather, and the ‘blah’ mood it may be causing, you’re probably wondering, “But I can’t control the weather, so how am I supposed to make my mood better?” Well basically, it’s about doing more things that make you happy! (I know, that sounds cheesy, but stay with me on this) So there’s these things called “happy hormones” that we all have, but sometimes we have less of these happy hormones, because of things like the ‘blah’ weather, and being stressed from all of the homework that we keep getting.