Coping with Holidays After a Loss: Starting with Halloween

The holiday season often begins with Halloween. For families who are grieving, this time of year can feel different. The decorations go up, children get excited for costumes, and neighbors gather for parties and candy. For someone carrying loss, it may bring a mix of emotions. Joy and sadness can sit side by side.

It is important to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. You do not have to celebrate in the same way as before. Some families find comfort in holding onto traditions. Others choose to do something new. Both are okay.

Adjust Traditions as Needed

If Halloween was a favorite time for your loved one, keeping a piece of that tradition can feel meaningful. That might mean carving pumpkins in their honor or handing out candy with a small nod to their memory. For others, it may feel too hard. Skipping a tradition or keeping things simple is a valid choice.

Create a Small Act of Remembrance

Lighting a candle before trick or treating, adding a photo near the pumpkins, or saying a quiet word of love can bring a sense of connection. Small gestures can carry great weight, especially in a season filled with reminders of the past.

Lean on Community and Support

Holidays often bring gatherings. Friends and family may not always know what to say, but letting them be present with you can make the day feel lighter. If you need space, it is also fine to step back. Grief can change from year to year. What feels right this time may look different in the future.

Looking Ahead

Halloween is only the beginning of the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year can also carry both joy and longing. Starting with small steps in October can help set a gentle rhythm for the months ahead. The goal is not to push grief aside, but to carry memories forward with care.

At McCall Monument, we walk with families through every season of grief. The holidays may feel different after a loss, but you are not alone. With compassion and support, it is possible to find moments of comfort while still honoring the love that remains.

Have Questions or Ready to Begin?

We're here to help you honor your loved one with care and dignity. Reach out to our compassionate team for guidance or to schedule a consultation.

Contact McCall Monument