SIBBS Newsletter, Winter 2022

SIBBS Newsletter, Winter 2022 | www.tcf.org.uk 11 As you contemplate Christmas – especially in the early years of your bereavement – you might wonder how you will survive. Thinking about seeing friends and family again can make your heart sink, as you know that your sibling won’t be with you. We hope that some of the ideas below might help and support you as you prepare for the holiday season. Do what feels right to you. Don’t allow other people to dictate how you should get through this extremely difficult time of year. Don’t feel you have to go to the office party or festivities with friends/extended family if you can’t cope with them. Sometimes you don’t know what you will feel like doing until the last minute. Don’t feel you have to give others advance notice. Tell people you will decide on the day and you will come if you feel up to it, but may well not be able to. Let close friends or family know that you are struggling. Don’t feel like you have to cope during this time of year on your own, sharing how you feel with others can really help. Don’t put too much stress on yourself. If there are difficult relations who expect to visit or for you to visit them, just say you can’t do it this year if it’s going to make you feel worse. Alternatively, introduce a time limit - “We’ll come over for a quick drink but will only stay an hour.” On the day itself, make time for yourself to escape. If things are too much. A walk outside or sitting away from everyone else can really help ease tensions. Coping with Christmas