Why Grief Feels so Difficult at Christmas

An Online Workshop Offering Calm, Clarity and Practical Support

For many people, Christmas is portrayed as a season of joy, celebration and togetherness. But for those who are grieving, it can feel like the hardest time of the year. The familiar traditions, empty chairs, memories, and pressure to “get into the spirit” can all intensify the emotional and physical impact of loss. Even people who usually cope well may find the festive period brings a fresh wave of sadness, anxiety or exhaustion.

To support those who are dreading the weeks ahead, one of our grief specialists, Emma from Rainbow Hunting, is hosting a 90-minute online workshop designed specifically for people living with grief at Christmas.

Rather than offering generic advice or instructions to “stay positive,” the session focuses on understanding what is really happening beneath the surface, both emotionally and physiologically.

Workshop: Why Grief Feels So Difficult at Christmas

Date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm (UK Time)

Format: Live on Zoom (there will be recording)

Price: £16

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During the workshop, participants will explore how grief affects the nervous system, why familiar patterns or family dynamics may feel heightened in December, and why this time of year can trigger strong or unexpected responses.

The session draws on attachment theory and trauma-informed practice to help explain common reactions, including overwhelm, irritability, withdrawal, or the sense of being “flooded” by emotion.

Importantly, the workshop also offers practical ways of helping people choose what feels manageable for them this Christmas. Instead of relying on well-meant but unhelpful suggestions, the aim is to support participants to understand their own needs, make decisions that align with their emotional capacity, and approach the season with less pressure and more self-compassion.

A downloadable workbook and access to a recording are included, allowing attendees to work through the material at their own pace, revisit key sections, or reflect privately on what resonates.

This session is suitable for anyone who is struggling with the idea of Christmas after a significant loss, whether through bereavement, separation, illness or a major life change. It is just as relevant for those facing their first Christmas without someone as it is for people who have been carrying their grief for many years.

At Grief Specialists, we recognise that grief is individual, and workshops like this can offer a safe and understanding space for people to make sense of their own experience and to navigate the festive period in a way that feels authentic and bearable.

If you or someone you support is finding the thought of Christmas overwhelming this year, this workshop may provide the insight and reassurance needed to approach the season with a little more steadiness and support.