GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. HopeWest, a local nonprofit focused on grief support, steps in to help people facing loss during the 2025 holiday season. Experts from the organization stress that festive times often stir up deep emotions, but simple strategies and community groups can ease the pain.

The Unique Pain of Holidays for the Grieving

Many folks find the holidays tough when they have lost someone close. Lights, family gatherings, and cheerful songs can highlight what is missing. In Colorado, where winter events draw crowds, this contrast hits even harder. Recent talks from counselors show that grief spikes around Thanksgiving and Christmas, affecting sleep, mood, and daily routines.

One key issue is the pressure to act happy. People worry about spoiling the fun for others, but holding back only builds more stress. Studies from health groups note that about one in five adults deals with complicated grief during these months. In Grand Junction, HopeWest sees a rise in calls as November approaches, with families sharing stories of first holidays without a parent or spouse.

Counselors point out that grief does not follow a schedule. It can crash in waves, especially at night or during traditions like baking cookies. This year, with economic worries adding to the mix, more people seek ways to balance joy and sorrow.

Practical Tips to Cope with Festive Emotions

HopeWest youth counselor Jody Molina Lopez urges self kindness as the top step. Treat yourself gently, just as you would a friend in pain. Start by planning ahead. Decide what events to join and which to skip.

Here are some proven ways to handle the season:

• Take short breaks from parties to breathe or walk outside.
• Share your feelings with trusted people instead of bottling them up.
• Use a journal to write thoughts if talking feels too hard.
• Adjust old customs, like setting an empty chair at the table for the loved one.

Lopez adds that asking for help is vital. If cooking a big meal feels overwhelming, order takeout or let others pitch in. Recent advice from national groups echoes this, noting that flexibility cuts down on burnout. For kids, drawing pictures of happy memories can turn tears into talks.

Self care matters too. Eat well, move a bit, and rest when needed. In a recent community survey, over 60 percent of grievers said small routines like these helped them get through tough days.

HopeWest’s Special Support Programs

HopeWest runs targeted help for holiday grief right here in western Colorado. Their Handling the Holidays groups kick off in November and run through December. These sessions welcome anyone, no matter when the loss happened, be it weeks or years ago.

The groups meet weekly, offering a safe spot to connect. Participants learn tools to manage triggers like holiday music or decorations. Lopez explains that sharing stories builds a sense of not being alone. This year, spots fill fast, so early sign up is key.

Beyond groups, HopeWest hosts events like the Holiday Show and Luncheon on November 22 and 23. It mixes fun with gentle talks on loss. For youth, special counseling focuses on school stress during breaks.

These options draw from years of local experience, helping hundreds each season.

Honoring Memories in Meaningful Ways

One bright side of holidays is remembering those gone. HopeWest suggests easy acts to keep bonds alive. Light a candle at dinner or pull out old photos for a laugh. Cook a favorite dish, even if it brings tears.

Families in the area share how this shifts focus from loss to love. In one story, a widow started a toast tradition, raising a glass to her husband’s jokes. Experts say these rituals aid healing, backed by research showing they lower long term sadness.

For larger groups, create a memory tree with ornaments from the past. Kids can add drawings. This approach ties into broader trends, like national campaigns for grief awareness in 2025. It turns pain into a bridge to future joys.

Broader Resources for Colorado Families

While HopeWest leads in Grand Junction, other spots offer aid statewide. Denver Hospice runs kids groups and virtual chats. UCHealth in the metro area has drop in sessions for spouses. Children’s Hospital Colorado focuses on family loss with craft nights.

In rural areas, online tools from national lines provide quick tips. Call HopeWest at 970 257 2390 for a start, or check local calendars for free webinars. With holidays nearing, blending these supports creates a full safety net.

As the season unfolds, remember you are not alone. Reach out, share your story in comments below, and pass this along to a friend who needs it.