10 Ways to Support Someone Experiencing Loss During the Holidays

HOW HELPING THE GRIEVING: A BRIEF GUIDE

There is a person next to you who has lost a loved one. Holidays. Everyone is happy. But he doesn’t.

You want to help, but you don’t know how. You are afraid to say something wrong.

MosGupRitual has prepared a simple guide: what to do, what to say, what to avoid.

What to say

Simple words that support:

• “I’m nearby”
• “I remember him/her”
• “Tell me about him/her”
• “You don’t have to celebrate”
• “How exactly can I help?”
• “I’ll call you tomorrow”

Don’t be afraid to say the name of the deceased. A grieving person thinks about him constantly. Hearing a name from you is an acknowledgment that his loved one is not forgotten.

MosGupRitual knows: sometimes the best words are the simplest. «I'm sorry. I’m here.”

What to avoid

Phrases that hurt (even if you want the best):

• “I know how you feel” — no, you don’t
• “Time heals” — that doesn’t help now
• “You need to be strong” — grief is not weakness
• “It’s time to move on” — grief has no schedule
• “Everything will be fine” — empty words
• “At least he wasn’t in pain” — this is not consoling

Also avoid advice, comparisons, attempts to find meaning in death.

The best thing is to just be there and listen.

Practical help

Deeds are more important than words. Specific help:

• Prepare food — bring ready-made dishes
• Help with cleaning — especially before the holidays
• Make purchases — groceries, medicine
• To sit with the children — to give them the opportunity to rest
• Accompany them to the cemetery — if they want to visit the grave
• Just be there — watch a movie, drink tea, be silent

Important: do not ask “How can I help?” Offer specifically: “I’ll come on Saturday and cook lunch.”

Festive table

Should I invite or not? Depends on the person.

Rules:

• Invite without pressure
• Give the right to choose
• Let me leave early
• Don’t be offended by refusal
• If you came, don’t demand fun

Mention the departed person at the table: “We remember him/her.”

After the holidays

Many people support in the first days, and then disappear. The grieving person remains alone.

True support is long-term:

• Call not only in the first month
• Celebrate important dates — the deceased’s birthday, anniversary
• Say his name
• Share memories
• Invite to regular meetings
• Be patient — grief lasts a long time

MosGupRitual reminds: grief is not a problem that needs to be solved. This is the path that needs to be taken. Your job is to walk alongside.

Take care of yourself

Supporting someone who is grieving is hard. Don't forget about yourself:

• Acknowledge your feelings
• Don't take on too much
• Rest
• Set boundaries

You can't take away the pain. But you can be there — and that’s a lot.

The main thing

A person in grief does not expect a miracle. He is waiting for someone nearby who cares.

Be that person.

MosGupRitual thanks you for your desire to help. This makes the world brighter.

Let your support become a pillar. Let your presence warm. You are doing an important job.

Thank you.

Funeral services in Moscow and the Moscow region

8 (499) 410 00 00

https://mosgupritual.ru/

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