Guiding Military Survivors Through Holiday Grief
TAPS Offers Coping Strategies as Evocati PR Amplifies Resources to Help Military Families Navigate Holiday Grief with Hope and Remembrance
“At TAPS, we remember that love does not end—and neither do the stories of those we miss... When we honor our loved ones and care for ourselves, we make room for comfort, connection, and even joy.”
Introduction
The holiday season presents a difficult, confusing, and emotional time for survivors, especially children, as cherished memories often intensify the reality of loss.
Evocati PR, in alignment with its mission to empower underserved communities, has partnered with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to launch a proactive media campaign. The effort aims to raise awareness before the holidays, ensuring survivors have access to the guidance and resources necessary to navigate grief with support and connection throughout the holiday season.
Our firm's strategic communications work highlights TAPS' unparalleled commitment to those grieving the loss of a military loved one. TAPS' President and Founder, Bonnie Carroll, emphasized the possibility of gentle hope during this season. "At TAPS, we remember that love does not end—and neither do the stories of those we miss... When we honor our loved ones and care for ourselves, we make room for comfort, connection, and even joy."
Coping Strategies for Grieving Survivors
TAPS provides these key principles to help survivors manage the unique challenges of holiday grief:
Acknowledge the Change: Recognize the holidays feel different now. Understand it is acceptable to feel a full range of emotions, from sadness to nostalgia. Hold onto precious memories while accepting the reality of the present.
Embrace Vulnerability: Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. TAPS encourages survivors to be honest with others and themselves about their feelings as a step toward healing.
Create a Plan: Anticipating the holidays can often feel worse than the day itself. Mapping out plans for how to spend the time relieves anxiety and makes the season more manageable.
Honor and Remember: The holidays are an ideal time to carry out grief rituals. Survivors can honor their loved ones by lighting a candle, including them in a toast, or preparing their favorite holiday food.
Look for Connection: The holidays can cause feelings of isolation. Connect with others by inviting a neighbor to dinner or volunteering at a local shelter or nursing home.
Take Care of Yourself: Grief is physically demanding. Prioritize self-care by getting enough rest, eating well, and drinking water to aid the bereavement process.
Helping Children Navigate Grief During the Holidays
TAPS’ Ashley Lear and son celebrate the holiday season together. (Source: TAPS)
For caregivers with children, TAPS reminds them that a child’s grief naturally fluctuates between sadness and a desire to participate in festivities. Moments of happiness do not lessen the depth of their feelings. TAPS offers specific tips for parents helping their surviving children cope:
Be Honest: Children are intuitive about the emotions around them. Share your own feelings and ask them how they feel about the holidays to strengthen your bond.
Encourage Expression: Create a safe, understanding environment for children to express their emotions and find support. Encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings fosters a closer connection and alleviates their worries.
Make a Flexible Plan: A thoughtful plan that considers each family member's needs provides comfort and structure. Discuss with your children how they want to celebrate, recognizing that everyone approaches grief differently.
Keep What Matters: Maintain familiar traditions to provide children with a sense of normalcy and security but remain open to changing or adapting new rituals to honor a loved one's memory.
Partnering for Purpose
Our team remains committed to ensuring that TAPS' vital, no-cost resources reach every surviving military family. Our strategic partnership with TAPS amplifies their message and ensures their unparalleled programs, such as their Good Grief Camps for children and teens, receive the attention they deserve. This work exemplifies our purpose-driven approach to PR—driving impact for values-based organizations serving those who serve our nation.
TAPS offers specialized resources for all survivors, from parents and children to spouses and battle buddies.
TAPS Resources and Support:
For more information on support for surviving loved ones, visit taps.org/resources.
Find more tips for navigating the holiday season at taps.org/coping-during-holidays.
The TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is available at 800-959-TAPS (8277).
As military families and survivors navigate the challenges of the holiday season, TAPS stands ready to provide expert guidance, compassionate support, and proven coping strategies. We invite members of the media to connect with us to speak directly with a TAPS expert, who can offer timely insights and powerful stories of resilience. For interviews or to learn more, please reach out today—together, we can shine a light on hope, remembrance, and the strength of our nation’s military community.”
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