It’s mid-November. The stores are full of Christmas decorations, the radio has started playing holiday songs, and Santa is ringing a bell in front of the grocery store. Others are planning their Thanksgiving dinner, but the joy of the season is passing you by. You don’t feel thankful; you don’t feel merry. You just feel sad.

Holidays are especially difficult after a death. If you and your family have lost a loved one to a wrongful death in the state of Wisconsin, the holidays can increase the feelings of loss and loneliness. Our Wisconsin wrongful death attorneys offer these tips for coping with the holiday season.

  • Accept your feelings. Whether this is the first holiday without your loved one or the fifth, it is normal to grieve. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions that you feel.
  • Handle the holidays one day at a time. Sometimes, the anticipation of the holiday is worse than the actual day.
  • Allow yourself to remember past holidays. Let your family know if you want to share your memories.
  • Avoid unrealistic expectations. Don’t worry about traditions.
  • Decide what you need from the holidays and let each person in your family do the same. Compromise, so each person’s needs are met.
  • Plan in advance what you will do and when. Will you exchange gifts? Will you go caroling? Do only what is manageable and meaningful. If it is still overwhelming, break your activities down into smaller easier-to-do tasks.
  • Ask for help. Chances are that your friends would love to help with the shopping or baking. You just need to let them know.
  • Volunteer. Doing something for someone else can keep your mind off your troubles.
  • Celebrate the memory of your loved one. Donate to a favorite charity, light a candle or plant a tree.
  • Allow yourself to have fun. Enjoying the holidays does not diminish your loss.

The Milwaukee personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham help families who have lost a loved one to negligence or recklessness get justice and accountability. To learn more, or to discuss your own Wisconsin wrongful death claim, contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678.