Wendi Williams, Ph.D., founder and principal OF WSW Consultation Services and President-elect of the American Psychological Association, stated that grief is a natural reaction to loss. As the holiday season progresses, Williams provides insight about a topic that can be familiar to many people— loss that stems from the death of a loved one, a breakup, or other reasons.

“However, grief can also arise from the loss of status, opportunity, or position, such as job loss. A particularly complex form of mourning is ambiguous loss, which occurs when a loved one is physically present but psychologically absent, often seen with degenerative diseases like dementia. In these cases, the person is no longer who they once were, yet they are still alive. This situation complicates the grieving process because there is no defined moment of death to initiate the typical stages of grief,” said the psychologist and educator.

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Regardless of the cause, reactions to loss are emotional, but they can also manifest physically and socially as individuals struggle to adapt to profound change, according to Dr. Williams.

Grief can elevate during the holiday period.

“During the holidays, feelings of grief can be exacerbated as individuals, families, and communities come to grips with those who are absent from their lives,” Dr. Williams stated.

Although the holiday season often brings families and loved ones together at home, the perceived quality of these relationships, often influenced by idealized portrayals in holiday films and social media, may not align with reality. 

“This contrast, especially when experiencing relationship discord, can be particularly triggering for those wishing for different, more harmonious circumstances in their own relationships,” Dr. Williams added.

Holiday grief can be worsened by economic pressures and expectations to purchase gifts.

“For many this season, the emotional weight of grief is compounded by financial strain, making the pressure of the holidays even worse. This is especially true for those facing unemployment, as over seven million Americans are currently out of work,” said Dr. Williams. “The impact has been particularly severe for Black women, with approximately 600,000 losing their jobs since February 2025.”

She further explained that for individuals who view providing for their families during the holidays as a sign of success or personal achievement, grappling with the need to “do more with much less” this season can feel like a profound and specific loss.

Know the signs of holiday grief.

Dr. Williams noted that grief during the holidays presents with typical symptoms that are amplified by the shared expectation and atmosphere of the season. 

“Signs of holiday grief can manifest emotionally as sadness, irritability, and emotional numbness, alongside physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and disrupted sleep,” she said.

Four ways a person can cope with grief during the holiday season

Allow yourself to have the space to feel your emotions without judgment. 

Set realistic goals for the holidays. Consider adapting certain activities, perhaps by creating new rituals to honor your loved one, such as lighting a candle or sharing a cherished memory.

 Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for help.

 Prioritize activities that help you and others manage energy and emotional demands during this time of loss.

How Friends or Family Can Support a Grieving Loved One

Dr. Williams explained that individuals who have a friend or family member who is grieving should ask them directly what they need. 

“Recognize that their needs may change over time and be prepared to respond in ways you are capable of, while also being mindful of your own boundaries during the holiday season. Grief is inherently a process. Therefore, it is vital to fully engage with it without demanding a specific end result, as that outcome may simply be unattainable,” she added.

Visitwww.drwendiwilliams.comfor more information about Dr. Williams’ books, “Black Women at Work: On Refusal” and “Recovery and The Majestic Place: The Freedom Possible in Black Women’s Leadership”—both of which offer powerful frameworks for navigating complexity with clarity and courage. Her most personal and timely reflections could be found at The Well with Dr. Wendi—her Substack bloghttps://wellwithdrwendi.substack.comand community space. There, she shares essays, insights, and practices on leading through liminality, building liberatory strategies, and cultivating clarity in the midst of change. Follow Dr. Williams on Instagram.