For many, Christmas is a season they look forward to all year long. For others, it can be stressful and, at times, challenging for those who are missing a loved one.
Bob Smickilas, a registered psychotherapist, nationally certified counsellor, and licensed minister, says grief can arise at any time, but it usually rears its head at Christmas.
"Christmas stirs up many difficult emotions of loss and loneliness and sadness and all the things that are part of the grief experience," Bob explained. "There are the Hallmark movies where everyone comes home for Christmas, and so that is sort of the theme, and for someone who has experienced loss, all of those visual images and experiences are a reminder that their loved ones are not coming home."
Smickilas says that grief is a complicated experience that affects us all differently.
"I think that is one of the things that makes this time of year so difficult," said Bob. "I think for grieving people, if we've gone through a loss, one of the things that is a challenge is just the whole thought of being around people."
One thing Bob says that families can do if they have experienced a loss is to plan out what the expectation is and be realistic.
"When we have had a loss, the holiday season will not be the same. We can not recreate those things," said Bob. "We can do them differently. It is okay to change up the routine."
According to Smiciklas, one of the challenges, when people are grieving is that they often do not feel like God is close because they are numb.
"I think reminding ourselves of other times when the Lord brought us through things is powerful," Smiciklas says. "When we start to reflect, often we see that God brought us through other seasons and other times.”
For those who are hurting and grieving, Smiciklas encourages them to check out local Blue Christmas services virtually and to reach out for help from a professional if necessary.