Hospice in the News  Grief and The Holidays

Dec. 12 at St. Margaret's School 

The holidays are traditionally a time of joy and laughter. But for people who are grieving, or for those with a seriously ill loved one, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions. As the holidays approach, it is important to think about how you can deal with the extra demands of the season.

Life Transitions Center offers the following suggestions for those struggling with the serious illness or death of a loved one during this holiday season:

• Talk about your grief. Ignoring it will not make it go away. Talk about the person who is a special part of your life. Include his or her name in your conversations with caring friends and relatives.
• Decide what you can handle comfortably, and let your friends and family know. It is okay to change a tradition if it does not work for you this year. You can always change back next year.
• Avoid overindulgence in food and alcohol as a way to cope with your feelings.
• Try to get enough rest. Holidays can be emotionally and physically draining.
• Don't be afraid to have some fun. It is not disrespectful to enjoy time with loved ones. Give yourself and your family permission to celebrate and take pleasure in the holidays.
• If you are inclined to do something for someone else, by all means go ahead. Some families donate to a specific charity or identify a particular family to assist. Others may help out in a soup kitchen. It can be quite satisfying to help someone else when you are feeling empty inside.

Life Transitions Center and Hospice Buffalo are offering "Grief and the Holidays," a free presentation for anyone who is coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one.

Two sessions will be held: One on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Hospice Buffalo's Education Center, 225 Como Park Boulevard, Cheektowaga and another on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Margaret's Church-School at 1395 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo.

The featured guest speaker will be Jeffery Sturmer, M.Div., a chaplain with Hospice Buffalo. Participants will receive a special holiday remembrance candle. For more information or to register for either or both programs, please call the Life Transitions Center at (716) 836-6460 or Amy Maxwell at Hospice Buffalo at (716) 686-8159.