Those who have experienced the death of a loved one know that the holiday season can be extremely stressful and sometimes heartbreaking. The Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Center for Loss and Hope will hold special free support groups this holiday season to help adults and children cope with holiday grief.
 
"Kids and Holiday Grief” will be offered Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center located at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn. The session will provide support for children ages 6-12 who have experienced a significant loss, such as a parent, sibling or grandparent. Parents/caregivers and their child may choose to attend either date or both dates.
 
“Coping with the Holidays” will be offered Nov. 11 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., or Dec. 9 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Hospice of VNS Care Center located at 3358 Ridgewood Road in Fairlawn. The same class will also be offered on November 2 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. or Dec. 7 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Buckeye Room at Rose Lane Health Center located at 5425 High Mill Ave. N.W. in Massillon. Choose to attend any session. The group will discuss stress-related concerns for the bereaved during the holiday season.  Bereaved persons will learn how to balance the reality of grief along with the expectations of the holidays.  Those attending will hear about options for coping with this potentially difficult time of the year.  


The classes are open to all members of the community at no charge.  Enrollment is limited, so call to reserve a place. To register, or for more information on either group, or on other Hospice of VNS Bereavement Support programs or individual grief counseling, please call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.
 
Also, if your church or business would like a presentation of “Coping with the Holidays” at your location, call 330-668-4662 or 800-335-1455, Ext. 4662.
 
The Hospice of VNS Center for Loss and Hope offers a few tips to help bereaved persons survive the holidays:

• f the thought of what you used to do during a holiday is overwhelming, cut back on your activities. Make new plans that are not so involved.
• Say “no” if you do not want to do something. If the other person is not pleased, that is alright for now.
• Acknowledge your loved one in some formal manner. Purposely noting your loved one may help everyone recognize and admit to the person’s importance.
• Be kind to yourself after your holidays. Make plans to do something special — maybe lunch with a friend or a day trip.
• Be realistic. There are going to be difficult moments. That’s okay!
• Make lists of what you decide you are going to do. Try to stay focused