While the holidays are typically a time of joy and warmth, they can be particularly painful for those who have suffered personal loss. To help those grieving the death of a loved one during the holidays, the GriefShare support group of Eau Claire is offering a two-hour session titled “Surviving the Holidays” featuring expert counselors, pastors, and real-life “grievers” who will provide helpful advice and tips about dealing with common grief-related experiences.

The session will address preparing for the sometimes surprising emotions that may hit you during the holidays; how to manage the changes to holiday traditions; dealing with social events and invitations; helping children survive the holidays; reckoning with awkward moments with others; and finding comfort, strength, and hope during a time that can seem all too hopeless.

The session will be held twice: 6:30-8:30pm Monday, Nov. 11, and 9-11am Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire. The event is free, but attendees are asked to please register online at griefshare.org (select “Find a Group” and enter 54701). GriefShare offers a Christian approach to grief, but is open to all regardless of religious affiliation.

GriefShare also offers a 13-week year-round series at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Eau Claire. To learn more, contact lay pastor Kurt Mattison at mattisonkurt@gmail.com or (715) 864-9039.