Holiday Message

As the year comes to a close, the team at Buonfiglio Funeral Home extends our heartfelt gratitude to the entire community. This holiday season, we wish to express our deepest appreciation for allowing us to serve you and your loved ones during difficult times.

Amidst the festivities and joyous celebrations, we understand that for many, this time of year can also bring profound feelings of grief and loss. Coping with the absence of a loved one during the holidays can be particularly challenging. To those navigating these emotions, here are a few tips that may help you find solace and peace during this season:

1.Talk about your loved one.

Mourning a loss can be very confusing. You may feel like you’re not supposed to smile and laugh because your loved one is no longer physically with you. But it’s not only okay to share memories that make you smile, it’s also healthy and may help you through the grieving process. Talking about your loved one with your family is also a bonding experience. You’ll bond both through grief and your love of the person you’re all missing.

2.Skip holiday events if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The holidays can often be a busy time. Maybe you were invited to a holiday party at work, several family gatherings, and New Year’s Eve event with your friends. All that social interaction can be draining even when you’re not mourning a loved one, but during a year where you lost someone you love, you may just need to opt out of a few events. Your family and friends will understand.

3.Join a grief group or talk to a mental health professional.

Grief groups can help you connect with other people who are missing their loved ones during the holiday season. You’ll feel less alone knowing you’re not the only one feeling this way.

You may also consider talking with a therapist or a grief counselor. By talking with a licensed professional, you can be completely honest about how you’re feeling and receive individualized help and attention to assist you through the holidays.

4.Change your holiday routine.

After losing a loved one, you may find it challenging to do what you used to do over the holiday season. Maybe you used to bake hundreds of cookies with your grandmother and give them out as gifts to the neighbors. But now that you’re doing all the baking on your own, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the process and by the fact that you’re missing your grandmother.

It can be hard to let go of this routine. You may feel like you’re letting others down. But it’s vital that you take the steps you need to take care of yourself, even if that means changing what you’re used to doing.

5.Practice self-care.

When we say self-care, we mean taking care of your mental and physical health. That can look different for every person. Maybe that means for you that you need to take some time out of every day to be alone. Or maybe that means finding time to exercise or do a craft that brings you joy. The more you take care of your mental and physical health, the more you’ll be able to cope with the grief that you’re feeling.

6.Acknowledge your loss and include your loved one in a new tradition.

For some people, that may mean lighting a candle or leaving a chair open for them during dinner. But there are many ways to honor your loved one over the holidays. Consider adopting a family to provide gifts with in your loved one’s name. Or you could volunteer with their favorite charity. Or, even more simply, you could bake their favorite recipe so your family can eat the treat they’ve always associated with your loved one.

During this holiday season, remember that it's okay to experience a range of emotions. Grieving is a personal journey, and there's no right or wrong way to navigate it. Be gentle with yourself and know that you are not alone.

From all of us at Buonfiglio Funeral Home, we extend our warmest wishes for a peaceful holiday season filled with moments of love, comfort, and cherished memories. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives.