Holiday Grief
Grief does not take time off for the holidays.
Instead it tends to be more intense, the constant pressure to be cheerful can be overwhelming when your heart is suffering. Now, add the high cost of living into the mix and December can be incredibly stressful. Many of us are struggling to get groceries—let alone prepare an elaborate holiday meal.
Canada’s inflation rates have reached a 40 year record high in 2022, rising to 8.1% this past September (Evans, 2023). The reality of grief, however, has not changed. Holidays can be difficult reminders of time passing without your loved ones. In the article, “Coping with grief during the holidays,” Bendaña notes that, “The holidays can translate into days of intense sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and despair” (2017).
To help ease the combined weight of holiday grief amidst inflation, AWAKE is covering shipping costs for all purchases of Let Your Love Grow eco ash mix. For the first time ever, we will also cover the taxes with 15% off all holiday purchases. Available until December 31st, 2022. Enter promo code HOLIDAY15 at checkout.
If you're suffering from a loss this holiday, Healing Your Holiday Grief: 100 Practical Ways for Blending Mourning and Celebration During the Holiday Season by Alan D Wolfelt is an excellent resource with personal ways to include your departed loved one this season. Grace North Therapy has also put out some wonderful posts on how to honour your grief this season, as well as how to support a grieving loved one.
Sources
Evans, Peter. “Canada's inflation rate cools to 7%, but food prices are still climbing.” CBC News. September 20th, 2022. https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/inflation-canada-august-1.6588486
Bendaña, Ana MST, RN, CHPN. “Coping with grief during the holidays.” Nursing 47(11):p 54-56, November 2017. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2017/11000/Coping_with_grief_during_the_holidays.16.aspx