The holiday season is when loved ones gather to celebrate and reflect on the year's events. Often, pets feature prominently in festive memories. If you've lost a four-legged family member, it's natural to still grieve after the burial or pet cremation service. Holidays without your trusted companion can be particularly painful, so here are suggestions to help you cope. 

3 Ways to Deal With the Loss of a Pet During the Holiday Season

1. Integrate Your Pet Into New Traditions

From baking treats to taking pictures with Santa, there are different ways pet owners incorporate their animals into holiday traditions. Because your furry friend was a big part of the festivities, their absence will be felt during the season. 

To help deal with the loss, take the opportunity to honor the rich life once lived. Feature the pet urn or framed photos of the animal prominently when putting up holiday decorations. You can also create new traditions, such as lighting a candle in their honor or having everyone share a funny or touching story about time spent with the pet. 

2. Let Yourself Grieve

Because a pet is a prominent family member, its death can be as painful as losing a human loved one. Although you could have a busy schedule this holiday season, take the time to grieve properly. 

Crying, for example, can be therapeutic. It can improve your mood, letting you release pent-up stress, frustration, and sadness over the loss.

3. Know It's Okay to Say "No"

While mourning the loss of your pet, not being in the holiday spirit is normal. Therefore, don't be afraid to tell friends and family you want to forgo traditional activities this year, such as attending certain events or preparing food for gatherings. You can spend the downtime taking care of your needs instead, which will help you move past the grieving stage and toward acceptance of the loss.

If your pet has recently passed away, trust Char Mac Pet Cremation in Cincinnati, OH, to provide guidance during this stressful time. Since 1973, this family-owned company has offered pet cremation and burial services that allow you to bid farewell to your furry friend. They also provide memorial items like urns and keepsakes to ensure your companion's memory lives on. Learn more about coping with the loss of a pet online, and call (513) 851-5791 to discuss pet cremation or burial with a team member.