• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Annapolis Moms

Annapolis Moms

Making Our Community Stronger, One Connection At A Time

BUSY MOMS DON’T MISS A THING!

Which emails would you like to receive?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Home
  • Topics
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Community
    • Education
    • Food & Dining
    • Health & Beauty
    • Holiday
    • Home
    • Parenting
    • Retail
    • Sports
  • Events
    • All Events
    • Submit an Event
  • The Motherlode
    • Current Issue
    • April 2025
    • Winter Issue 2025
    • Fall Issue 2024
    • Summer Issue 2024
    • Spring Issue 2024
    • Winter Issue 2024
    • Thumbs Up & Plaques
    • Motherlode Subscriptions
  • About
    • Contact
  • Summer Camps
    • Summer Camp Directory
    • Summer Camp E-Guide
    • Add a Summer Camp
  • Coupons
  • BUSY MOMS DON’T MISS A THING!

    SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS

    Which emails would you like to receive?
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Health & Beauty, Holiday

When it’s Not the Most Wonderful Time: Navigating Loss During the Holidays

November 20, 2023 by Chelsea Harrison
A woman sitting next to a Christmas Tree looking disconcerted

Many people will be hanging twinkling lights, baking cookies, and checking off gift lists in the coming weeks as we usher in the holiday season. However, for those grappling with grief and loss, this time of year can be a poignant reminder of the void left by someone who has passed away. We spoke with Jennifer Ward, a Bereavement Counselor and Licensed Master Social Worker with Chesapeake Life Center, a program service of Hospice of the Chesapeake about some ways to navigate these complex emotions in the midst of this holiday season:

  • Accept the loss and honor the memory. Ward says, “People have to accept the loss, accept that the person is not physically present, but their memory lives on, so how do we incorporate some of their traditions into the new ritual of Thanksgiving or Christmas?” Maybe someone new makes a special recipe or grandma’s holiday napkins grace the table, but the important thing is not to avoid the person’s name or memory with the intention of keeping things light and “happy.” 
  • Acknowledge this holiday will be tough. Ward, who leads partner-spouse bereavement groups, says, “For families, a part of the awareness is recognizing it’s going to be a tough holiday.” Acknowledging this fact may help families avoid the pressure of trying to maintain the holiday status quo. In time, holidays may feel joyful and carefree again, but especially the first few years after a loss may feel more muted.
  • Set up your support system in advance. Acknowledging the difficult moments the holidays might bring allows for grieving family members to plan in advance for how they will handle those moments. Ward says people should think about, “What am I going to need? Do I need my sibling with me? Do I need to check in with my support group? I might need to see my counselor that day.”  
  • Try something totally new. Have you ever wanted to spend Christmas in the Caribbean? Maybe this is the year. Ward explains, “Society tells you you have to have family over and open gifts, but that might not be where people are. People might reject that, take a trip to the Caribbean, go to a Chinese restaurant, do something different, and be Ok with not doing the normal ritual.” There may be a certain freedom in rejecting what you’ve done before. 
  • Practice self-care. Ward says, “Self-care is especially important around the holidays; as it gets colder and darker, people are more likely to withdraw.” However, a key part in the grieving process is connecting with others. It is important for people experiencing loss to avoid the temptation to hunker down alone. 
  • Get moving. Research shows that physical activity, such as going to the gym, trying out a fitness class, a turkey trot, or even dancing, can be helpful for feelings of stress and sadness. 
  • Take part in a bigger mission. Volunteering or working with a charitable cause is also a great way to honor a loved one who has passed. For example, if someone passed away from cancer, families may want to do a fundraiser or walk for a cancer charity. 
People sitting around in a circle supporting one another.

What if you have kids in your life who are also experiencing grief and loss?

Ward says, “Children teach us how to grieve. They’re the only ones who can go from crying one minute to playing outside the next.” 

Kids aren’t typically big talkers, so it takes some creativity to help them express these complex feelings. Ward uses methods like sand tray therapy, using the backdrop of games or dolls to discuss the loss, and getting them connected with other kids who are experiencing a loss or grief. The bottom line is to be having fun, but also talking about the grief or the loss. 

Jennifer Ward, a Bereavement Counselor and Licensed Master Social Worker with Chesapeake Life Center.

If you are experiencing grief this holiday season, know you are not alone. Reach out to your support system and consider attending a support group near you. Here are several offerings from the Chesapeake Life Center, a program of Hospice of the Chesapeake:

Living with Loss through the Holidays*

Thursday, December 7, 2023

5:30 to 7:30 PM 

John & Cathy Belcher Campus

90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, Maryland

The cost is $10 per person.

Kids ages 6-18 may also attend for a specialized kids’ workshop with holiday activities.

Loss of Partner Support Group (monthly)

Tuesday December 12, 2023 (Morning Session)*

10:30 AM-12:00 PM

Via Zoom

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 (Evening Session)*

6:30-8:00 PM

John & Cathy Belcher Campus

90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, Maryland

The cost is $10 per person. 

*Registration is required for all groups and can be completed by calling 1-888-501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org

Drop-In Grief Support Group

Wednesday, December 13, 2023  

1:00-2:00 PM

John & Cathy Belcher Campus

90 Ritchie Highway, Pasadena, Maryland

There is no fee and no registration is required.


Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on Annapolis Moms Media and its affiliates are those of the authors and/or experts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Annapolis Moms Media. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. 

The published article is available for informational purposes only and is not considered licensed professional advice on any subject matter. By viewing articles/blog posts, the reader understands there is no client relationship between the reader, the publisher, and its authors. The article/blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a licensed professional, and readers are urged to consult their own counsel on any specific questions concerning a specific situation.

facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
FollowFollow us
Chelsea Harrison
Author: Chelsea Harrison

Related posts:

Supporting A Partner Through Grief And Loss a lighted Rubber dinghy with snowman and santa wavingHoliday Events Happening this Week and Weekend Navigating Hair Loss: A Dermatologist’s Guide to Effective Solutions  woman with hand on hip smilingSavor the Season: Tips for Making Healthy Choices during the Holidays
Category: Health & Beauty, HolidayTag: Christmas, grief, Holidays, loss, Mental Health, Support See all posts by Chelsea Harrison

About Chelsea Harrison

Previous Post:The National Arboretum Winter Festival is on December 2 and offers plenty of family-friendly activities!Winter Festivals Worth the Drive
Next Post:Holiday Light Displays: Your One Stop Shop for All the Info lights on the bay with a dog

Sidebar

Categories

• Arts & Entertainment
• Community
• Do Not Miss
• Education
• Food & Dining
• Health & Beauty
• Holiday
• Home
• Parenting
• Retail
• Sports
• Updates

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

The Latest from our Facebook Page

Looking for a fun and enriching way to keep your kids moving this summer? 💃🩰 We’re excited to have The Ballet Theatre of Maryland as one of our amazing community supporters! Their 1-week summer intensive is perfect for young dancers ages 8–12 to grow their skills, build confidence, and shine on stage in a special showcase 💫 Don’t wait, registration closes July 9!

📍BTM Annex | 📅 July 28–August 1 | ⏰ 9AM–3PM | 💲$450
📩 Register: ecarey@balletmaryland.org

#AnnapolisMoms #SupportLocalArts #BalletMaryland #AnnapolisDance #SummerCampVibes #KidsInAnnapolis #AnnapolisSummerFun

Looking for a fun and enriching way to keep your kids moving this summer? 💃🩰 We’re excited to have The Ballet Theatre of Maryland as one of our amazing community supporters! Their 1-week summer intensive is perfect for young dancers ages 8–12 to grow their skills, build confidence, and shine on stage in a special showcase 💫 Don’t wait, registration closes July 9!

📍BTM Annex | 📅 July 28–August 1 | ⏰ 9AM–3PM | 💲$450
📩 Register: ecarey@balletmaryland.org

#AnnapolisMoms #SupportLocalArts #BalletMaryland #AnnapolisDance #SummerCampVibes #KidsInAnnapolis #AnnapolisSummerFun
... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago
View Comments
  • likes Like love 3
  • Comments: 0
  • Shares: 0
Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

We absolutely love having Historic London Town and Gardens as one of our proud community supporters. This beautiful spot is the perfect place to slow down and soak up summer. From yoga in the gardens to fun events for the whole family, there’s always something special happening. Be sure to check out their July lineup and register in advance to save your spot for all the fun. 🌿✨

www.historiclondontown.org/events
... See MoreSee Less

This content isn't available right now

When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.
1 day ago
View Comments
  • likes Like 1
  • Comments: 0
  • Shares: 0
Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HELPFUL LINKS

  • Community Sponsorship
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer
  • EULA
  • Thumbs Up & Plaques

BUSY MOMS DON’T MISS A THING!

Which emails would you like to receive?
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © 2025 · Annapolis Moms · All Rights Reserved · Powered by AE2 Creative

Change Location
Find awesome listings near you!