Grieving The Loss Of A Pet During The Holidays: Suggestions For Coping

Christmas is traditionally a time for celebrating, but if you have recently lost a beloved animal companion, then you might find it hard to feel joyful and take part in celebrations. It is especially when the holiday preparations finally give way to peace and quiet that the time comes when the fond memories of your beloved animal friend as well as the painful reminder of their physical absence from your live will come into focus.

Expect some feelings of sorrow or sadness

If the coming holidays are also the first for you after the loss of a beloved pet, then you can expect feelings of grief and pain to come up. You have lost someone who was a very important part of your life, a loving friend and companion, so it is normal to grieve – also during Christmas when you are ‘supposed’ to be cheerful.

Take care of yourself

Allow yourself to grieve and take time to be alone with yourself. Seeking out the company of supportive friends or family can also be helpful.

Instead of feeling obligated to follow your usual routines and traditions, realize that this is no ordinary holiday season when your pet is no longer with you. Look inside yourself and feel intuitively what you need to do in order to acknowledge and support your life in this holiday season when your pet is no longer with you.

Celebrate your pet

But the holidays don’t need to be all about feeling the grief and sadness of the loss of your pet. The holidays also present a perfect opportunity for you to celebrate your pet – celebrating the love you shared, all the joy your pet brought into your life, and all the lessons you learned from your pet.

Include your pet when you plan your holiday celebrations. Maybe even make the celebrations this year have focus on honoring and celebrating your pet.

Tips and action steps

Below are a few suggestions for ways to cope with the loss of your pet during the holidays:

• Take a look at the things you usually do around the holidays – are there any of those things or traditions  that can be changed, modified or eliminated?
• Begin your holiday dinner with a quiet moment in honor of your pet.
• When your family is gathered, take some time to share fond memories you all have of your pet.
• Play songs that remind you of your pet.
• Create special rituals or celebrations that honor your pet:
  • light a candle in your pet’s honor.
  • if you celebrate Christmas, hang up a special Christmas stocking for your pet and find some meaningful items to place inside, for example a special toy your pet liked, a photo, a little poem or letter you have written to your pet, whatever feels right. Do this as a conscious process which is light and joyful, and each time you see the stocking you will feel joy and a connectedness with your pet. You may feel inspired at times to look at the items in the stocking and perhaps read out loud the poem or letter which you have placed there.
  • Create an altar with special things that remind your of your pet; where you can sit and reflect on the life and love you shared
• Take care of yourself:
  • Get enough rest and relaxation.
  • Get exercise and fresh air.
  • Eat healthy meals.
  • Do a daily meditation to handle the feelings of grief and sorrow.
• Reach out for support.
• Help an animal in need.

Use your imagination and be creative when celebrating and honoring your pet during the holidays. There is no right or wrong way to do this. Do what feels right to you.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

PS: For further pet loss support, see also “Healing Pet Loss – Practical Steps for Coping and Comforting messages from Animals and Spirit Guides“.