Seasonal grief support

Explore ways to remember your loved ones during the holiday season, dealing with grief, and read heartwarming stories from hospices at Christmas.

Explore ways to remember loved ones during the holiday season, dealing with grief, and stories of hospice workers putting others before themselves
How St Ann's brought Christmas forward for Anthony and his family at the hospice
Real people, real stories

We’ll never forget what the hospice has done for our family

How St Ann's brought Christmas forward for Anthony
Read Anthony's story
Woman in hospital kissing a young girl

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Seasonal hospice stories

Along with many essential services, hospice care continues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - on inpatient wards, and in people's homes.

So even on important festive holidays, such as Christmas, Hannukah, Diwali or Eid al-fitr, hospice staff are working tirelessly to make those days as joyous, ‘normal’ and memorable as possible for the people in their care.

Here are just some of the ways that hospices make the holiday season special for families around the UK.

In December 2023, with just days left to live, primary school teacher Alice moved to Fair Havens Hospice in Essex, where the family were able to spend one last Christmas together
Hospice care stories

Alice's Last Christmas at Fair Havens Hospice

In December 2022, with just days left to live, primary school teacher Alice moved to Fair Havens Hospice in Essex, where the family were able to spend one last Christmas together.
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Hospices are places where memories are created, and families come together, at important festive celebrations. Read these heartwarming stories, shared by hospice staff
Hospice care stories

13 unforgettable holiday memories from hospices across the UK

Hospices are places where memories are created, and families come together, at important festive celebrations. Read these heartwarming stories, shared by hospice staff.
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How hospices make Christmas holidays special for families
Hospice care stories

How hospices make the holiday season special for families

Hospices look after people when they most need it – and this incredible care continues all year round. Read some of the ways they make the holiday season special for families.
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While many of us are enjoying quality time with our own families, Annemarie describes what it’s like for those at a hospice, where incredible care doesn’t stop for the holidays
Dying Matters

'I put my own emotions aside at Christmas'

While many of us are enjoying quality time with our own families, Annemarie describes what it’s like for those at a hospice, where amazing care doesn’t stop for the holidays.
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While many of us are enjoying quality time with our own families, Karen describes what it’s like for those at a hospice, where incredible care doesn’t stop for the holidays
Dying Matters

'Working in the hospice at Christmas just feels right'

Karen, Chaplain and Spiritual Lead at Weston Hospicecare, has worked at the hospice every Christmas Day for 18 years, giving her time to be with patients and their families.
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Sam, Rob and their children were the living vision of a happy family until Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. This is their story.
Dying Matters

Your stories - Sam & Rob

Sam, Rob and their children were the living vision of a happy family until Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease. This is their story.
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Two men talking on a bench

Where to get bereavement support

Many people rely on friends and relatives to support them through a bereavement, but there are different types of services available that can also help if you need them.

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Remembering someone you love

There can be many moments during the year when we miss loved ones who have died. For many of us, we miss them on a daily basis. Grief is hard at any time of year, but special holidays can be particularly challenging. 

If you’ve lost someone special, our community is here to help. Find tips on how to remember loved ones during the holiday season, and dealing with grief at important moments - and insightful stories from the people who work at hospices on Christmas Day.

Seven ways to help deal with grief at Christmas, from the Dying Matters community
Dying Matters

Seven ways to help cope with grief at Christmas

Facing the holiday season while grieving can be incredibly challenging. Our Dying Matters community have shared personal advice on how to cope with grief during the festive holiday...
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What to write in holiday cards to someone who is grieving
News

What to write in holiday cards to someone who is grieving

Our Compassionate Employers team share some top tips and examples of what to say in holiday cards to someone who is grieving.
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Our Dying Matters supporters share what they do to remember their loved ones during important festive holidays like Christmas
Dying Matters

How to remember loved ones during the holiday season

Our Dying Matters supporters share what they do to remember their loved ones during important festive holidays like Christmas.
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Coping strategies to help deal with grief over the holiday season and Christmas

Dealing with grief over the holidays

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief this holiday season, here are some coping strategies to help.

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Woman in hospital kissing a young girl

Donate

It's never been more important to support our work. You'll be making a massive difference to more than 300,000 dying people and their families every year.

Find out more