Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, the TCC region has experienced a tremendous amount of loss this year. All of our tribal communities have been impacted. The holiday season can be particularly difficult for those who have lost a family member and will be experiencing the season without them for the first time.

The absence of a loved one means that normal routines have ended or are never repeated the same way. The routines that used to be fun may now feel empty or sad. The routine with your loved one is no longer there and you will need to make adjustments in your life.

It’s important to acknowledge that the holidays will not be the same as it has in years past. It’s still important to make a conscious decision to celebrate – even in small ways. Plan ahead and make a commitment to celebrate.

How to Cope with Grief:

Be gentle with yourself. Recognize when things are getting too difficult and take breaks as necessary.
Don’t overexert yourself. If you usually decorate the whole house and now you just want to decorate the tree – that’s okay. Don’t stress yourself out trying to replicate past holidays.
Talk to someone. Don’t hold your feelings to yourself. Find a trusted friend or family member who can help you process your feelings.
Don’t isolate yourself. Stay open to receiving support from friends and family – and don’t forget to offer support to others who are grieving as well.

Support Others Who Are Grieving:

Pay attention to the children in your life. Remember that children also experience grieving and it is often their first time dealing with the death of a loved one. They may need someone to guide them through their feelings and remind them that they are loved.
Remember that grief is complicated. Everyone deals with death differently. Remember to be gentle with others – as their grieving process may look very different than yours.
Stay connected. Connect with your friends and family via phone, text, or FaceTime to uplift one another and encourage each other.
Volunteer to help. Offer to help others with acts of services like getting a tree, cutting wood, help decorating or help with cooking or baking.
Listen. If someone wants to talk about the loved on they lost – listen. It can be difficult to bring up old memories, but it’s important to listen as this may be part of their healing process.
Show that you care. The best way to help those who are grieving is to let them know that you care. Acknowledge their loss and let them know that you remember and honor their loved one.

Honor your loved one during the Holidays:

Share a story. Share one of your favorite experience or memory that you shared together and allow others to share their own stories as well.
Say a prayer. Say a prayer especially for your loved on before the holiday dinner.
Make their favorite dish. Make a dish that your loved one used to like or used to make.
Make something. Make a memorial ornament or wreath in honor of your love one.
Light a candle. Light a candle in their memory.

We hope that this holiday season brings you hope, good memories, and that you feel the love from each other during this time of grief for you, your family, and the whole community.

TCC is now offering an opportunity for connection, empowerment and encouragement for those who are struggling as we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic. Connection with others is important for our overall health and wellbeing and many are feeling the loss of those important connections with family and friends.

These meetings will be available remotely (via phone or computer). Those interested in attending can contact Roxanne Frank at 907-452-8251 ext.3581 or Roxanne.frank@tananachiefs.org