As we approach the holiday season, it can be painful to think about the holidays when you are grieving the death of a loved one. It’s hard to imagine the holidays without your loved one present. The upcoming traditions, activities, events, planning, gift buying and many other details can feel overwhelming and stressful to think about and be a part of. Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to skip and completely avoid Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day altogether. But avoiding the holidays and the grief of our loved ones isn’t always possible and isn’t the answer.