If one of your loved ones or close friends has passed, you may find that you miss them even more around the holidays. Halloween is one holiday that we often forget about that can deeply affect someone who is grieving.
It’s common to connect grief with the holidays. After all, holidays are often the times we spent with loved ones and close friends. If one of your loved ones or close friends has passed, you may find that you miss them even more around the holidays. Halloween is one holiday that we often forget about that can deeply affect someone who is grieving.
As a holiday that treats death as something scary or even as part of a festival, Halloween can be challenging to handle. This especially applies to children who may not know how to deal with fake headstones, ghosts, and skeletons decorating their neighborhood. Seeing the decorations can trigger fear or grief for them.
Halloween can also be tough for those who lost a child or teenager, as they remember celebrating Halloween with their child. It can also be difficult for those who lost a parent if that parent was one who really loved Halloween. Or maybe you lost a close friend, or grandparent, or even a pet, with whom you shared some special Halloween memories. Any of these losses can make Halloween a difficult time of year.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope with grief during Halloween.
Firstly, know that is ok to totally skip Halloween. If you don’t feel like celebrating, that is ok. Plan a night doing something else with friends or a trip out of town. Or just turn out your porch lights and watch TV. There is no reason that you need to participate in the holiday if you aren’t up for it.
If you do feel comfortable participating, one way is to remember the good times. Share stories about past Halloween holidays. Talk about the costumes or celebrations you remember. You might even bring out some old Halloween photos to share.
You can also continue your favorite Halloween traditions. Think about things that you and your loved one did to celebrate the holiday. Putting up decorations, baking your favorite holiday treats, going to a haunted house, or even dressing up and handing out candy can all be ways to honor and celebrate your loved one.
If you find you are really struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out to a support group or therapist.
Halloween can be tough, but if you want to do so, there are ways to celebrate and honor your loved ones. However, remember that as always with grief, it is important to do what feels right for you. It’s ok to join in the festivities and it’s ok to skip.
