This time of year can bring up all sorts of emotions, especially if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Family, friendships, and a sense of ‘joy’ are at the centre of expectations around Christmas and the festive season, but if people near and dear are gone than feelings of sadness or loneliness can naturally surface. 

Managing grief during this period can be challenging; but planning ahead in the lead up to significant events and anniversaries can give you a greater sense of control and may help ease some of the anxiety and concern you may feel. 

Grief doesn’t run to a timeline, it’s different for everyone and can be more deeply felt and seen at this time of year, whether the person died two days ago or two decades ago. 

Palliative Care Australia (PCA) wants to highlight some of the advice and tools available to help people and families: 

• Working with expert advice from psychologists, social workers and grief counsellors, PCA has a simple guide to help manage grief.  
• The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement has a range of information sheets including ‘Anniversaries and Significant Events’. 

Things like, sharing memories, playing a special song, lighting a candle, or enjoying a favourite drink and making a toast can all help. 

And if you do need professional support, services are still available over the festive season: 

• Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement: 1300 664 786  
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 
• Lifeline: 13 11 14  
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800  

They say ‘the life of the dead is in the memory of the living’ so remembering those we have lost can be a natural extension on how we approach the festive season. 

 Camilla Rowland 

Chief Executive Officer

Palliative Care Australia 

Thursday, 8 December 2022

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