Published October 1, 2025
We’ve now hit the last 3 months of the year. Some of you might feel that the year flew by while others can’t wait to turn the calendar to 2026.
With the rolling in of October comes the holiday season. Whether you’re ready for it or not, it will be here before you know it. For many readers, it will be the first holiday season without their loved one. Or it could be the first holiday season after a life changing divorce or relationship breakup.
Nevertheless, they all lead to the navigation of an unfamiliar territory. One that is scary to venture into, one that could be associated with anxiety and stress.
Don’t get caught off guard. Emotions can run high, and you might be extra sensitive in the coming months. This is very normal during the grief journey, especially early on. Please realize and accept this fact. There is nothing wrong with you! It means that your mind is functioning as it should, so ‘feel the feels’.
Remember, there is no way around it…only through it.
Therefore, NOW is the time to think about what to do for the holidays to help minimize the blues as much as possible. You must be proactive. As with anything in life that is important, you must work hard and focus. Be intentional about it. Don’t sit around and be caught off guard the week before Thanksgiving when you may become very sad. Don’t wait until Christmas lights are up and wreaths are hung to address the heartache.
Being that it’s the first season in your new normal, I suggest changing up some things so that you don’t get consumed in the past. For example, if you’ve always hosted Thanksgiving, try getting another family member or friend to host so that your environment is different. Keeping it the same at your house could very well bring on tears as you stare at the now empty chair they used to sit in.
Also, try going on a trip so that you’re enjoying yourself instead of being focused on your sorrows. I’ve recommended this to many people. It has always helped me and my kids to not be in town during a major holiday. We’re not like this anymore, which I need to share so that you know it does get better, but those first few years were crucial.
Being immersed in different surroundings gets your mind out of constantly thinking about who you’ve lost. It doesn’t need to be a big trip although that surely would be nice! Depending on what you have in mind, it could take some time to plan so you should start now!
And like I mentioned, the pain does subside with time but it is especially helpful that first year to change up your environment. I can truly attest to this. We traveled for the first two years. It helped us tremendously, and I strongly believe that it nurtured us when we were so fragile in those early months.
I encourage you to have some new holiday traditions if you’re mourning a death. This doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten your old traditions or it’s in any way a dishonor to whom you’ve lost. Definitely keep some previous traditions for years to come but this is also the time to initiate new ones. Try to conceive a new tradition that somehow incorporates the memory of the deceased. By doing this, not only will you be honoring them but you’ll also feel the warmth and love built into the tradition.
I also encourage you to have some new traditions after a breakup or divorce. Having something new can create excitement! A special and unique tradition will be fun, and along the way it can detract your attention from what happened.
Again, don’t get caught off guard! NOW is the time to think about it. Plan something different to get your mind off from constantly thinking about who is no longer here.
I hope you find this article applicable as you navigate the upcoming holiday season. Please share it with anyone who could benefit. If you want more ideas or have questions, please email me directly at inquiry@sincerelyjulie.com or you can leave a general comment below. For daily support and inspiration, please give me a follow on Instagram @sincerelyjulie_joyful_living.