Holiday Grief Support Programs
Why Are the Holidays So Hard?
The holiday season can be filled with emotions that can be more profound and surprising than other times of the year, especially for individuals who are grieving.
At HeartLight Center, we understand how hard this time of year can be. We are here to offer accessible grief support, compassionate guidance, and a safe space to heal—during the holidays and throughout every season of the year.
A Message from HeartLight Center this Holiday Season.
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Virtual Holiday Programs
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Grief & the Holidays
This workshop is a way to get some support and helpful tips when grieving around the holiday season. We will discuss coping with emotions, how to handle triggering traditions, and ways to navigate social and familial events. Suggested Donation: $20.
Dates: Sat. Nov 14 & Sat. Dec 12
Time: 8:30am PT/9:30am MT/10:30am CT/11:30am ET
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Supporting Someone Who Is Grieving During the Holidays
The holiday season may hold joy for many, but for some bereaved individuals this time of year is filled with overwhelming pressure and sorrow. Join us for a safe, guided space to learn practical strategies for helping grieving friends and/or family members (or yourself!) navigating loss during the winter season.
Date: Wed. Nov 18
Time: 4pm PT/ 5pm MT/ 6pm CT/ 7pm ET
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Holiday Remembrance Ceremony
Join us for a virtual candle lighting remembrance service as we come together to honor and remember those who have died. Through the lighting of candles and reading of names, we’ll create a space for reflection, remembrance, and connection.
Date: Tuesday December 22
Time: 3 PM PT/ 4 PM MT/ 5 PM CT/ 6 PM ET
Location: On Zoom
Colorado Holiday Programs
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Luminaria Remembrance
Join us in a ceremony of remembrance held in partnership with Horan & McConaty to honor our loved ones. Decorate a luminaria bag with names and messages to be placed in the Cremation Gardens at Parker Rd and Centennial.
Date:Sun. Nov 1
Time: 4-6 PM
Location:
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Walking With Grief – Fall Mindfulness Walk & Ceremony
Join us for a mindfulness nature walk at the memorial gardens at HeartLight Center will include reflections on the changing seasons, incorporating ritual and ceremony that can bring a sense of grounding and remembrance, and share a meal together. Cost: $25, includes meal and materials
Date: Fri. Nov 6
Time: 10 AM-12:00 PM
Location: HeartLight Center & Memorial Gardens
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Grief & the Holidays
This workshop is a way to get some support and helpful tips when grieving around the holiday season. We will discuss coping with emotions, how to handle triggering traditions, and ways to navigate social and familial events. Suggested Donation: $20.
Date: Thurs. Nov 12
Time: 4:00-5:30 PM
Location: HeartLight Center
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Holiday Love, Hope, & Light Candle Lighting Memorial
Please join us for our holiday memorial service and candle-lighting ceremony.
Three Locations:
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Community Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck Gathering
A time of connection for anyone who has experienced grief and would like additional support during the holiday season. Please bring a simple dish to share. Regardless of type of loss or how long it has been, we welcome you to join us for community, connection and support over a meal together.
Date: Sun. Nov 22
Time: 5-7:30 PM
Location: Horan & McConaty Centennial
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Fall Social at Comedy Works
Join us for a grief group outing to a comedy show with the intent to provide a much-needed outlet for respite and shared connection. Give yourself permission to experience moments of joy and lightness alongside grief and sadness.
Date: Sun. Nov 27
Time: 7:00 PM Show
Location: Comedy Works Denver
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Open heART Studio for the Holidays
This creative and social workshop invites participants to explore grief through use of various art activities. No prior art experience required. Featured Activity: TBD. Cost: $50, includes supplies.
Date: Sat. Dec 5
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: HeartLight Center
Kansas City Holiday Programs
Holiday Remembrance Services
Join us for a holiday remembrance service as we come together to honor and remember those who have died.
12/2/26 at 3:00 PM: Skradski Funeral Home (340 North 6th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66101)
12/3/26 at 5:30 PM: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (1640 Rte 291, Liberty, Missouri 64068)
12/5/26 doors open at 2:00 PM, program begins at 3:00 PM: Park Lawn South (8251 Hillcrest Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64138)
12/5/26 at 3:00 PM: Johnson County Funeral Chapel Tree of Memories Service (11200 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66210)
12/9/26 at 6:00 PM: Muehlebach Funeral Care (6800 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64131)
12/10/26, at 5:30 PM: Longview Funeral Home (12700 Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149)
12/12/26, time TBA: Terrace Park Funeral Home (801 NW 108th St, Kansas City, MO 64155)
Tennessee Holiday Programs
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Angel of Hope Remembrance
The Angel of Hope Remembrance service honors the memory of lost children. Whether your child was lost when they were preborn, two, or one hundred and two, come take a communal moment to honor, to grieve and to remember.
Date: Sun. Dec 6
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Grandview Cemetery
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Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is a time to remember what freedom cost by placing holiday wreaths on the graves of US Veterans.
Date: Sat. Dec 19
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Grandview Cemetery
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Candlelight Memorial Service
Buy a candle to not only beautify your Loved-One's gravesite, but to remember the light they brought to your life. The purchase of the candle goes towards Blount County's Empty Pantry Fund.
Date: Sat. Dec 19
Time: 6 PM
Location: Grandview Cemetery
Wisconsin Holiday Programs
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Grief & The Holidays - November
Join us for:
Support for a Difficult Season: The holidays can feel overwhelming or impossible when grieving, but you do not have to navigate them alone.
Honor Your Grief: Learn ways to survive the season comfortably while remembering your loved one in meaningful, personal ways.
Practical Guidance: Gain helpful tools and support to cope with emotions, manage triggering traditions, and navigate family or social gatherings.
Date: Monday, November 30th
Time: 5:30 – 7pm
Location: Cress East Washington
3325 East Washington Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53704
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Grief & the Holidays
Join us for:
Support for a Difficult Season: The holidays can feel overwhelming or impossible when grieving, but you do not have to navigate them alone.
Honor Your Grief: Learn ways to survive the season comfortably while remembering your loved one in meaningful, personal ways.
Practical Guidance: Gain helpful tools and support to cope with emotions, manage triggering traditions, and navigate family or social gatherings.
Date: Monday December 14th
Time: 5:30 – 7pm
Location: Cress Speedway
(3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin 53705)
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Service of Remembrance
More Details to Come
Date: December 6th
New Mexico Holiday Programs
Holiday Remembrance Service:
December 8th, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Daniels Family Funeral - Carlisle Chapel
Join us for a holiday remembrance service as we come together to honor and remember those who have died.
(3113 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110)
Call to RSVP: (505) 884-1188
Holiday Support Resources
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The holiday season can be filled with emotions that can be more profound and surprising than other times of the year, especially for individuals who are grieving. Subsequently, it is common for us to ask the question: Why are the holidays so hard?
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The Holidays can be tough when you are grieving, and thinking about what self-care might be helpful for you can help. We invite you to use our Holiday Care Plan worksheet for thinking through what you need right now, and through this unique time of year.
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Significant loss can bring a heavy mix of emotional and physical reactions. While grief is a natural response to loss, it affects everyone differently. Finding gentle ways to cope can help us navigate the pain of grief and create a sense of stability as we adjust to life after loss. Here are some healthy habits to consider leaning into when you’re grieving.
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Not Seeing What You’re Looking For?
As we continue to grow our programming, we want to hear about what programs and support you are looking for. If you have a specific request, any questions, or would like more information, please contact us or send us an email at Info@HeartLightCenter.org.