The Pathways Center for Grief & Loss, a program of Hospice & Community Care, will offer Coping With the Holidays, a five-week support series, beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The program, which will focus on helping those in mourning to navigate the holidays, is available to anyone in Lancaster and York counties and will cover a different topic each week.

During the first session, the series will explain what it calls the "holiday survival guide" and emphasize the importance of allowing yourself permission to be in your current place with the process of mourning. "The holidays are a family-oriented time full of traditions that people likely shared with loved ones," said Elaine Ostrum, adult services coordinator for the Pathways Center for Grief & Loss. "People may not have the energy or interest in those things they've done in years past." Many people dealing with losses that occurred around the holidays are reminded of those they lost when the season comes around again. Coping With the Holidays seeks to affirm those choosing to handle the holiday season in the way they see fit.

The second week of the series, which will fall on the week of Thanksgiving, will focus on how to practice gratitude in everyday life, even in the face of grief. In its third session, the group will discuss ways to remember loved ones and honor their memory over the holidays. Participants will be invited to share their own ideas on how to honor the traditions of late family members; some people make a special ornament for their Christmas tree, and others make a donation to a charity each year in a loved one's name.

In December, the fourth meeting will elaborate on how to live in the present and not be overwhelmed by the future. "We can get lost in overwhelming emotions as we think ahead," said Ostrum. "We want to share reminders to keep us in the present moment and focus on what we need today."

Coping With the Holidays will conclude with its final session, which will raise the question, "What are the gifts?" Participants will talk about how to recognize the positive aspects of each holiday, discuss what they've learned through the program and share stories about how they've grown since the first session.

The series will be offered at the E.E. Manny Murry Center, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, and the Ann B. Barshinger Hospice Center, 235 St. Charles Way, York. Two sessions will also be offered online via Zoom, and registration must be completed at least two days prior to the session one wishes to attend. To register for the program, visit https://tinyurl.com/copingwithholidays.