Losing a parent can be an incredibly challenging time, particularly on holidays like Father’s Day. Even in grief, Father’s Day can be a time to honor and remember the impact that fathers have on your and your family’s life. The following are some of the ways to celebrate Father’s Day after losing your father:
- Honor memories and traditions while making new ones too
Continuing Father’s Day traditions like a favorite restaurant, golf course, or activity can be an excellent way to remember your father. Making new memories and traditions with those you love can help you look forward to the positives of Father’s Day.
- Listen to your children and respect their feelings
While you lost a parent, your children also lost a grandparent, which can be hard emotions to deal with. Take the time to respect and listen to your children and the level of engagement they would like to have with the holiday.
- Connect with family and loved ones
Holidays are a great time to call on your “village” and be surrounded by those you love. Whether that is planning a get-together with your siblings or having friends over for dinner, reminding yourself of your support system is a great way to stay positive and work through the grieving process.
- Plan a trip
Oftentimes, not having a plan for a holiday can lead to feelings of anxiety about what you’re going to do. When you are overwhelmed by the idea of Father’s Day weekend, taking a family trip or getting out of the house for a day can be a way to mitigate your grieving and create new experiences and traditions.
- Find new ways to remember your father
Celebrating your parent’s memory can manifest in many ways after their passing. You can write a letter to your parent, give a gift to someone else, or do community service in their name to continue the tradition of Father’s Day.
- Seek Support
Sometimes it takes a holiday for loss to truly sink in. Father’s Day can be one of those occasions where you realize the depth of your feelings. Family can be one support system, but do not be afraid to seek counseling or other spaces to be vulnerable about your grief and emotions of loss.
For more information on grief see these articles:
Coping with Grief During the Holidays | Carsons Village
Honoring and Remembering | Carsons Village
Tips on How to Support a Grieving Family | Carsons Village