Holidays are busy times, with lots to do and conflicting expectations, wants, and needs. It can be a happy time, but it can also be problematic for everyone. The following checklist can get you and your family started in making the decisions about an upcoming holiday. Ask each family member to fill out a separate checklist, and then sit down and compare notes. You may have to compromise, but in the end everyone hopefully will feel better. This is only a start, a guideline. Feel free to adapt and personalize this checklist.
The name of this holiday is: ________________________________________________________
What cause you the most anxiety or dread about the holidays?
Where would you like to spend the holiday?
Who would you like to spend the holiday with?
What holiday traditions had meaning or significance for the deceased?
What holiday traditions do you want to keep, or modify, this year?
What traditions do you want to opt out of this year?
What new traditions do you want to start?
How will you ensure the memory and presence of your loved one is present during the holidays?
Answer quickly and honestly to each of the following:
Do you want to decorate?
Do you want to bake?
Do you want to visit friends and family?
Do you want to exchange gifts with anyone?
Add additional questions that are important for your family to consider…