Surviving Easter: Navigating Grief, Family Dynamics, and Chocolate Bunnies

Easter is here—baskets filled with chocolate eggs, family meals, and traditions that bring both comfort and, sometimes, discomfort. For those who are grieving, it's a time that can feel especially tender.

When No One Says Their Name

I remember my first Easter after losing someone close. Our family gathered as usual—smiles literally plastered on faces, tables beautifully set—but no one mentioned the empty chair or the absence we were all acutely feeling. It was like an unspoken rule: avoid the topic, keep smiling, and carry on. Yet beneath every cheerful interaction, it felt like grief was sitting at the table with us, uninvited but impossible to ignore.

Sound familiar?

You're not alone. Holidays like Easter can amplify not only our grief but also complicated family dynamics. Often families gather out of a sense of obligation rather than genuine closeness, making a challenging day even harder.

The Invisible Guest at the Table

Why do we go through the motions without mentioning the person we’ve lost? Perhaps we fear spoiling the day, creating discomfort, or making others feel sad. Yet, the silence can feel isolating, as if our loved one never existed. Sometimes this silence is simply how families have "always done grief"—we just don't talk about it.

I've seen it countless times with families I've supported:

• Families who carefully dance around mentioning their deceased loved ones, even though everyone feels their absence profoundly.

• Relatives who don't particularly get along but gather anyway because "it's Easter, and we're family."

• The awkward tension when everyone tries to pretend everything is normal, even when clearly, it isn’t.

  
  

Yet, there can be comfort—and even humour—in acknowledging what's really going on beneath the surface. Sometimes the most supportive thing someone can say is, "I was thinking about them today too."

Humour, Honesty, and Chocolate Eggs

One Easter, a friend shared how she brought up her late mother's name during dinner, only to hear her father sigh dramatically and say, "Thank goodness someone mentioned her—I thought we were all losing our minds trying to ignore the obvious!" They laughed, cried, and ultimately found a deep relief in openly remembering together.

Humour, carefully chosen and gentle, can help ease tension and allow genuine feelings to surface. It's okay to laugh at the absurdity of some of our family dynamics—whether it's the cousin who always picks fights or the uncle who thinks politics belong at the dinner table.

Practical Strategies for Coping with Grief at Easter

• Acknowledge the Absence: Consider making space to remember your loved one. Light a candle, share a favourite story, or set their picture out. Breaking the silence can feel healing.

• Manage Expectations: Easter doesn’t have to be perfect. Simplify plans or skip certain traditions if they cause unnecessary stress.

• Create New Rituals: Honour your loved one by introducing a new tradition—perhaps planting spring flowers or writing down special memories.

• Self-Care Breaks: Take small breaks during family gatherings. Step outside, breathe deeply, or text a friend who understands.

Reflective Questions for Easter Weekend

• What do I truly want from this Easter gathering?

• How can I honour my grief and my loved one's memory authentically today?

• What boundaries or conversations might I need to prepare for in advance?

You’re Not Alone—Canadian Resources

If Easter feels particularly difficult, support is available:

• Bereaved Families of Ontario: Offers local support groups and resources.

• Canadian Mental Health Association: Articles and resources specifically about coping with grief during holidays.

Additional Support and Reading

Explore more of my articles on grief:

• How to Support Someone Who is Grieving

• Grief as a Stress Response: Understanding, Navigating, and Practicing Self-Compassion Through Grief

• Riding the Waves of Grief and Grieving

• Helping Children Navigate a Loved One's Serious Illness or Grief

Free In-Person Grief Group

I offer a free in-person grief group for additional support. You can find more information and details here.

Moving Forward with Grace

Navigating Easter after loss isn't easy. Grief doesn't follow a calendar, and family dynamics rarely simplify themselves magically. But acknowledging what's real, honouring your feelings, and embracing even small moments of humour can help make the day a little lighter.

And remember—just like chocolate bunnies, sometimes Easter is best taken one bite at a time.

If you find yourself needing extra support, please reach out—I’m here to help you navigate these complex feelings and find your way forward.