NORWICH – The winter holidays are generally perceived as “the most wonderful time of the year.” For those who are facing new grief after the death of a loved one, the holidays may instead be a time filled with pain and sadness. Even for those for whom grief is not as fresh, the holidays may serve as an annual reminder of the loss – not only of that person, but of tradition and celebration

Hospice of Chenango County understands how difficult this time of year can be. Their Bereavement Counselor, Maureen Casey-Bryant, stresses the importance of making decisions that feel right to the grieving person, and giving oneself permission to make new or different choices at the holidays.

Grief experts remind us that:

Holidays often center around certain traditions and rituals. For some, continuing these traditions without a loved one may be an important way to continue sharing their memory. For others, it may be more comforting to develop new rituals to help lessen the pain and immediacy of the loss.