How to cope with grief at Christmas

THE FESTIVE PERIOD CAN BE A TOUGH TIME FOR THOSE DEALING WITH LOSS. CAMILLA FOSTER GETS EXPERT ADVICE ON NAVIGATING IT

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THE festive season is often painted as the happiest time of year, but the pressure of a perfect Christmas can be overwhelming, especially for people who are grieving.

Memories of loved ones who have died can be especially vivid and painful around Christmas, so we spoke to Sharon Jenkins, bereavement counsellor at Marie Curie, to get some advice on dealing with a potentially difficult period.

Have a plan B in place

Be prepared to be flexible, as everything might not go to plan.

"Whatever your plan is for Christmas, have a plan B because you don't know how you're going to feel on the day," advises Sharon.

"Say to your family that if we're feeling okay, we'll do this but actually if that doesn't feel okay we'll do this instead."

Don't bottle up your feelings