How to Help a Bereaved Child Through Christmas

For many families, Christmas is a time of sparkle, celebration and togetherness but for those who are grieving, it can also be a painful reminder of someone who is no longer here. The build-up to Christmas often begins in November, with festive lights, music and adverts appearing everywhere, which can intensify feelings of sadness, loneliness or confusion for bereaved children. At Mosaic, we understand that this time of year can be especially challenging. In this guide we share gentle, practical ways to support a child through grief at Christmas, while creating space for both remembrance and hope.

Why Christmas Can Be Hard When You’re Grieving

• The weight of expectations – Christmas is often portrayed as magical and joyful, which can make children feel “out of step” with the world around them.
• Triggers everywhere – from traditions to favourite songs, Christmas can bring sudden waves of grief.
• Changes in routine – time off school and altered routines can heighten emotions.
• Missing their person – whether it’s a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend, their absence can feel even greater during family celebrations.

It’s important to reassure children that it’s normal to feel sad, angry, confused or even guilty for enjoying parts of Christmas. All feelings are valid.

Ways to Cope During the Festive Season

• Talk openly about their feelings – let them know it’s okay to miss their special person and talk about them.
• Give them choices – involve them in decisions about Christmas plans. They may want to continue family traditions or change them completely.
• Create emotional ‘escape plans’ – agree a quiet space or signal so they can step away if celebrations feel overwhelming.
• Keep routines where possible – familiar structure can help children feel secure during a chaotic emotional time.
• Manage expectations – it’s okay to keep things simple this year. Do what feels manageable.

Ways to Remember Loved Ones at Christmas

• Light a candle – make time on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to light a candle in their memory.
• A place at the table – leave a chair free or include a framed photo.
• Memory box or jar – fill it with letters, drawings or favourite memories.
• Favourite food tradition – cook or bake something they loved.
• Acts of kindness – donate to a cause in their memory or do something kind for someone else.

Christmas Grief Activities for Children

Creative and calming activities can help children express emotions and find moments of comfort throughout the festive season. These simple ideas can help children feel grounded, supported and connected during what can be an emotionally difficult time.

• Write a Christmas Card or Letter – help them write a message to the person they miss or to someone who has supported them this year.
• Feelings Baubles – fill clear baubles with small notes describing emotions or memories of their loved one.
• Calming Crafts – try mindfulness colouring, paper chains or simple decorations to ease anxiety and stay focused.
• Bake Together – spend time cooking or baking simple festive treats to enjoy a sense of warmth and togetherness.
• Outdoor Adventures – go for a winter walk or visit a local lights trail for fresh air and gentle distraction.
• Family Movie Night – choose feel-good films and enjoy a cosy evening together with snacks and blankets.

Enjoying Local Events – At Your Own Pace

There’s no pressure to join in Christmas activities but sometimes a simple outing can bring a little light back into the season. Across Dorset, there are gentle, family-friendly festive events taking place this year:

• Nutley Farm Festive Experience – selected dates from late November to December 2025
  Meet the reindeer, enjoy the winter lights and soak up peaceful countryside magic near Dorchester.
• Poundbury Christmas Market – Saturday 29 November 2025
  Local businesses in Crown Square with stalls of gifts, crafts and festive food.
• Dorchester Abbey Christmas Market – Saturday 29 November 2025
  A beautiful historic venue with over 40 stalls of handmade crafts, seasonal treats and decorative wreaths.
• Swanage Christmas Market – Saturday 6 December 2025
  Seaside sparkle with festive stalls, music, mulled drinks and a warm community feel.
• Christmas at Corfe Castle – from Friday 19 December 2025
  Cosy winter celebrations with marshmallow toasting, storytelling and lantern-lit evenings at this Purbeck landmark.

Choose only the events that feel right for your family and remember, it’s okay to change plans if things feel overwhelming. Grief goes at its own pace.

Mosaic’s Christmas Party

Every year, Mosaic hosts a special Christmas party for the children and families we support. It’s a chance to enjoy festive fun in a relaxed and understanding environment with crafts, games, treats and a visit from Father Christmas. Many families tell us it’s become a new tradition they look forward to each year.

If your family would like to join us, please contact us for details.

Look After Yourself Too

Supporting a grieving child can feel emotionally exhausting, especially over Christmas. Please remember:

• You don’t have to create a “perfect” Christmas.
• It’s okay to feel emotional too.
• You’re allowed to ask for help and take breaks.
• Looking after yourself helps your child feel safe and supported.

How Mosaic Can Help

Mosaic supports children and young people across Dorset who have experienced the death of someone important in their lives. We understand the emotional challenges families face, especially at difficult times of year like Christmas. Our support is compassionate, child-centred and tailored to each family’s needs.

We offer:

• One-to-one bereavement counselling for children and young people
• Emotional support for parents and carers to help them support their grieving child
• Group sessions and peer support to connect children with others who understand
• Activity days to build confidence and resilience
• Resources and guidance for families navigating grief together
• Support for schools to help staff support bereaved pupils
• Signposting and practical advice for families who need additional help

Christmas after a loss can feel very different, but there is no right or wrong way to get through it – only what feels best for you and your family. Take things one day at a time, include your loved one in gentle ways if it helps and be kind to yourselves along the way.

However you choose to spend this Christmas, remember you are not alone. You can reach out to Mosaic at any stage – whether your bereavement is recent or took place some time ago. Support is available for as long as it’s needed.