Holidays are filled with traditions. But when someone you used to share those moments with has died, managing grief during the holiday season can be particularly challenging.

Mental and physical preparation are your best tools for managing the feelings that may accompany holidays. While family members, particularly children, may want things to be as they’ve always been, the reality is things have changed. It can also be a time to create new traditions and memories that honor your absent loved one.

Consider this advice from the National Funeral Directors Association to help navigate grief this holiday season.

1. Get plenty of rest. Being tired not only has a physical impact on how you feel, it can affect your ability to process emotions.

2. Give yourself permission to take a break. In a season filled with obligations and commitments, know that it’s OK to set boundaries and remove yourself from holiday reminders and triggers.

3. Be realistic with your commitments. You may be the one who hosts your family’s holiday celebration every year, but if others offer to take responsibility, let them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. Look for tangible ways to express feelings.

So much of grief is internal as you manage numerous thoughts and emotions, but physical expressions of your memories and feelings can help process it all.

5. Verbalize how you’re feeling. Manage expectations by telling family and friends how you’re feeling about the holiday and what they can expect from you.

6. Honor your feelings and needs. As most who have experienced loss know, grief comes in waves.

7. Include your loved one in the holidays. There’s no right or wrong way to incorporate your loved one’s memory.

Find more ways to navigate through a loss at www.rememberingalife.com .