Living with grief is difficult at any time of year, but occasions such as Christmas, often associated with friends, family, celebration and togetherness, can feel especially difficult when you’ve lost someone close to you. Memories can be bittersweet – wonderful to relive but tinged with sadness, facing a meaningful time of year without that special someone by your side.

It can be all too easy to feel alone or isolated, even when surrounded by people you care about or especially alongside the perceived pressures to be sociable that can come with the season. Equally, you may feel that you need to lean on your loved ones more than normal throughout the festive period. No two experiences of bereavement will be the same but what will always be true is that you’re not alone in what you’re feeling; it’s more than ok to take time for yourself and do whatever you need to feel comforted.

Bereavement Support

If you feel like you might need some extra support this Christmas, there will always be somewhere to turn. You can always speak to our kind and friendly team members, but you may wish to reach out to services within your area; you can find some examples of these below.

St Helena Hospice – based in Colchester, this charity provides not only support for those requiring end-of-life care as well as their carers and families, but also bereavement support for those that have lost someone dear to them, including children and young people. Find out more at www.sthelena.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support – the UK’s leading bereavement charity, here to help you through one of the most painful times of life, with local support available in the form of bereavement sessions, one-to-one and group support sessions, helpline and more. More information can be found at www.cruse.org.uk

Farleigh Hospice – a charity based in Chelmsford, offering bereavement support alongside help and care for those with life-limiting illness at home or within their hospices. Community support for those of any age living with grief is available in mid-Essex, including of resources, counselling, support groups. Visit www.farleighhospice.org

Samaritans – available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Samaritans helpline is free to call from any phone and will connect you with an understanding person to talk to about whatever you need, without judgement or pressure. Call 116 123 whenever you need, or find other ways to reach out at www.samaritans.org

Meaningful Christmas Tributes

Many people can find a poignant comfort in taking time to remember their lost loved ones at Christmas, reminiscing on the good times together to feel that warm glow of fond memories – or even doing something special to mark their loved one during the festive period. This could be anything from playing their best-loved Christmas songs, cooking something using their treasured recipe, writing them a card telling them about the year, attending midnight mass, or including their favourite dish on the dinner table.

Each year in our Hunnaball Family Funeral Group branches, we offer everyone the chance to create a meaningful tribute for someone they’ve lost through our Name a Star Christmas trees.

One and all are invited to pop into their local branch to dedicate a shining star in memory of someone special that they have lost. The stars will be placed onto our beautifully festive trees for the festive period – a bright and wonderful memento to everyone that we miss and are thinking of this, and every, Christmas. If you’re not able to make it in person, we’d happy to arrange a star for you; simply give us a ring and let us know what you would like.

Click here to find your local branch.

For help with funeral planning, what to do following a loss, or if you just need some support and guidance, Hunnaball are here for you whenever you need us. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 01206 760049 or emailing us at admin@hunnaball.co.uk