For many people, the holidays are a time of connection, celebration, and joy. But for others, this season brings something very different — grief, anxiety, overwhelm, and a deep sense of longing for what used to be or should have been. If you’ve experienced a significant loss or trauma, the holidays can feel especially painful. The rituals, smells, songs, and gatherings that once brought comfort may now highlight what (or who) is missing or what (or who) you never had. You may feel the sharp contrast between the world expecting cheer and your heart carrying an absence that can’t be filled. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A 2023 American Psychological Association survey found that 89% of U.S. adults feel stressed during the holidays — and for those living with trauma or loss, that stress can intensify old wounds, amplify grief, and awaken memories the body has worked hard to protect you from. This is not a personal failing. It’s your nervous system remembering. Trauma...