Managing Difficult Emotions During the Holidays (webinar)

This free webinar is among a series of trainings designed to increase understanding of the grieving process, develop skills to support grieving individuals and colleagues, improve communication, foster resilience, and help people find new meaning after a death. These webinars provide knowledge about how to offer emotional and practical support, navigate awkward conversations, and care for oneself and others during times of bereavement.

The holiday season can be especially difficult for people who are grieving. While others may be celebrating, those who have experienced a loss often face heightened emotions, painful memories, changed traditions, and increased social expectations. Whether the loss is recent or occurred years ago, holidays can trigger sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, and longing for loved ones who are no longer physically present. Participants may also struggle with questions about whether to continue traditions, attend gatherings, or celebrate at all. This webinar helps participants understand the unique challenges of grief during the holidays, develop realistic expectations, practice self-compassion, learn coping strategies for difficult moments, and discover meaningful ways to honor loved ones while creating space for healing.

By the end of this webinar, participants will:
• Understand why grief often intensifies during the holiday season.
• Recognize common emotional triggers and responses.
• Learn practical strategies for managing difficult emotions and holiday stress.
• Practice self-compassion and healthy boundary setting.
• Identify meaningful ways to honor loved ones during the holidays.
• Create a personalized holiday coping plan.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Presentation by Debora Garrison, Chief Executive Officer of The Grief Center.

Thank you to the Office of Student and Adolescent Health – New Mexico Department of Health for sponsoring this training series.