Your Student Life: Grief Over the Holidays

December 9, 2025

Holiday dinners, matching pajamas and Hallmark movies can feel warm and joyful but when you’re grieving, these traditions may serve as painful reminders of loss. If you’re navigating this season without a loved one, here are some thoughts and strategies to help you cope:

Grief Isn’t Linear
You’ve probably heard grief described as “coming in waves” or “not linear.” That’s because feelings can resurface unexpectedly, especially during times traditionally spent with loved ones like holidays and birthdays. This doesn’t mean you’ve gone backward in your healing; it’s a normal part of the process.

Talk to Someone
Support can take many forms. Sometimes it’s sharing what you’re going through and other times it’s chatting about lighter things like your favorite new latte or a winter hike. Healthy distraction, humor, comfort and asking for help with tasks are all valid ways to connect.

Create New Traditions
Consider honoring your loved one’s memory in meaningful ways. Prepare their favorite breakfast, listen to their favorite music, or create an art project inspired by them. Explore what makes you feel connected.

Share Stories
Talking about your loved one can be healing whether it’s moments of joy or tough feelings like sadness and anger. Share stories with others in conversation, at an event like an open mic night, or reflect privately in a journal or voice note.

Prioritize Basic Needs
Sleep, food and hydration are essential for mental health, but they can feel overwhelming during grief. Start small: aim for two meals and a snack instead of skipping, or set a goal for seven hours of sleep instead of six.

Seek Community
If you’d like to connect with others who understand, look for local grief support groups or online communities where people share experiences and advice platforms like Reddit or TikTok can offer informal support.

Remember: All Grief Is Valid
Grief isn’t limited to the loss of a loved one. Pet loss, friendship breakups, romantic separations, or going no contact with family are all reasons someone might grieve. Whatever your loss, your feelings are valid.

Professional Support
Grief is one of many reasons people choose counseling. Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) offers free, confidential mental health services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, on demand support and referrals.

You’re not alone. Healing takes time and it’s okay to seek support whether through friends, new traditions or professional help.

Counseling and Consultation Service
Office of Student Life