Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Lessons from the Winter Solstice
The holiday season, with its festive lights and gatherings, can feel profoundly heavy for those navigating grief. As the world celebrates, grief often reminds us of what—or who—we’ve lost. In my work as a coach, supporting clients through loss, I’ve seen how this season’s contrasts can amplify emotions. Yet, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, offers a profound metaphor for this journey: even in the deepest darkness, light begins to return.
The solstice, observed across cultures and traditions, marks the turning point when days start to grow longer. In Pagan Yule traditions, the rebirth of the sun symbolizes hope. In Christianity, Christmas celebrates light entering a dark world with the birth of Christ. Indigenous traditions honor ancestors, embracing the natural cycles of life. These rituals remind us of a universal truth: darkness is not permanent, and even in sorrow, renewal is possible.
Grief mirrors the long nights of winter, asking us to pause and sit with our emotions. It can feel overwhelming, yet the solstice teaches us to honor this darkness while trusting in gradual renewal. During sessions, I encourage clients to find small acts of care that bring moments of peace. One concept that resonates deeply is hygge, the Danish practice of cultivating coziness and warmth. Lighting a candle, wrapping in a soft blanket, or savoring a quiet cup of tea can create pockets of comfort amidst the sorrow.
For many clients, rituals become anchors. Lighting a candle in memory of a loved one, journaling about cherished memories, or even creating new traditions can help hold space for grief and hope simultaneously. These acts don’t diminish pain but invite moments of light to coexist with the darkness.
As we move through the holidays, the solstice offers a gentle reminder: even the longest night gives way to dawn. Grief doesn’t follow the calendar, but with time, care, and connection, glimmers of hope and renewal can emerge. This season, let’s honor the darkness, trust in the light’s return, and hold space for both sorrow and healing.
