Support for Grief during the Holidays

It's important for any griever at any time of the year to have a support system available. This is especially true during December when holidays can magnify the sense of loss and loneliness. However, a support system doesn't just appear. It has to be cultivated and populated with a handful of individuals who truly understand what it means to grieve. Sometimes a family member or friend can offer this, but frequently that is not the case. Identify those whom you know to be good comforters and spend time with them. Another excellent option is to find and join a grief support group. Check online to see if there's one in your community. In a support group you will find others just like you, who will listen without judgment, offer unconditional support and be role models of grief recovery. Often those who participate in support groups make new friendships which continue years down the road.
-Victor M Parachin, "The Empty Chair," in Messenger of Saint Anthony​, November 2025