Can I please just cancel Christmas?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question by a client who has lost someone. Even after trudging through the most acute, raw phases of grief, the journey isn’t over…and the winter holidays have a way of reminding us what we’ve lost, all over again.

Does this sound like you?

• You’re dreading the holiday traditions you used to share with the person you lost
• You feel like your grief makes “normals” feel uncomfortable, or your friends and family feel uncomfortable talking about your loss
• You are bracing yourself for insensitive and/or awkward exchanges with family and friends

Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

– Vicki Harrison

I created the Holiday Grief Support Circle to help people who are facing the holidays after losing someone they love.

I want to help you face the holidays feeling prepared and supported instead of empty and isolated. In this program, we’ll cover the many dimensions of grief—including emotional, physical, spiritual, social and cognitive—and then I’ll help you learn new ways to cope with each of them. We’ll explore ways to deal with the things you’re dreading most, and we’ll also find ways to experience joy, cherish memories of your loved one and rebuild your life.

The Holiday Grief Support Circle is a seven week online program beginning November 20.

Each week, you’ll receive a video about the week’s topic that you can watch at your convenience. Each weekly topic is accompanied by practical ways to cope with the challenges you’re facing, plus a hands-on activity or exercise to deepen the lesson.

If you’re interested in using mindfulness, self-compassion and remembering rituals to find comfort during the holidays, you’ve come to the right place.

This program is created and guided by Jamie Sanders, APSW, LGSW.

Holiday Grief Support Circle weekly topics

Week 1
Facing the holidays: Everything is different!

Week 2
Not feeling jolly! Coping with grief, anger, longing and other emotions during the holidays

Week 3
Loneliness + holiday traditions: To keep the old or make new

Week 4
Catch-up, recess + integration

Week 5
Family togetherness: handling difficult interactions and setting boundaries

Week 6
Honoring your loved one: Ways to include your memories in family tradition or privately

Week 7
Looking forward with hope and remembrance

Questions? Just email Jamie.

To reserve your spot, choose the option that best suits your needs and learning style:

If you have questions or would like to purchase this program as a gift for someone, please email Jamie.