As the calendar turns and a new year begins, the world often feels full of countdowns, resolutions, and “fresh start” messages. But when you’re grieving, New Year’s can carry a very different weight. Instead of excitement, you might feel tenderness, uncertainty, or even dread. The passage of time can make your loss feel more real, and the idea of moving into another year without your loved one can be painful.

If you’re carrying loss into 2026, please know: you are not alone. There is no right way to “start the year” when you are grieving. What you can offer yourself, however, is gentleness—and maybe, in time, a few small, caring intentions that help you move through this season at your own pace.

A New Year Doesn’t Erase Your Grief

Many people feel pressure to “move on” with the new year, as if turning a page on the calendar should also turn a page on their grief. But grief doesn’t follow dates or deadlines. It continues in its own rhythm, sometimes softening, sometimes surging, often surprising us along the way.

You might notice:

• A sense of guilt for having moments of laughter or relief
• A heaviness when others talk about big goals and resolutions
• A deep longing for the person who isn’t here to share this new year

All of these reactions are normal. A new year doesn’t mean leaving your loved one behind—it can simply mean learning to carry their memory with you in a different way.

Setting Gentle Intentions Instead of Resolutions

Traditional resolutions can feel harsh or demanding, especially when you’re already emotionally stretched. Instead, consider gentle intentions—small, compassionate choices that support your well-being.

Some ideas for New Year reflections after loss:

• “I will allow myself to feel what I feel.”
  Rather than forcing positivity, give yourself permission to experience whatever shows up—sadness, hope, anger, or even numbness.

• “I will find one small way to care for myself each day.”
  This might be a warm drink, a short walk, a phone call, or simply going to bed a bit earlier.

• “I will honor my loved one through a simple ritual.”
  Lighting a candle, keeping a photo nearby, or writing them a letter can create a sense of ongoing connection.

These intentions are not about “fixing” grief. They are about supporting yourself while you live with it.

New Winter Rituals That Bring Comfort

The start of a new year often falls in the quiet of winter. This season can gently hold new rituals that acknowledge both your loss and your hope:

• A Winter Memory Walk: Choose a day to walk in a peaceful place, thinking of your loved one and noticing small signs of beauty—snow on branches, winter light, birds in the cold air.

• A Reflection Journal: Begin a small notebook where you write a few lines each week—what you miss, what you’re grateful for, or what you’re learning about yourself.

• A “Light in the Darkness” Evening: Once a month, turn off the overhead lights, light a candle, and spend a few quiet minutes in reflection, prayer, or simply breathing.

These practices don’t have to be complicated or perfect. Even the simplest ritual can become a gentle anchor in this new season.

Hope That Doesn’t Ignore Your Pain

Hope after loss is not about pretending everything is okay. It’s about believing that, even in pain, moments of meaning, connection, and tenderness are still possible. Hope might look like:

• Reaching out to someone you trust and saying, “I’m struggling today.”

• Allowing yourself to imagine one thing you’re looking forward to—no matter how small.

• Remembering that your love for the person who died is still very real, and always will be.

Hope and grief can coexist. You don’t have to choose one over the other.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

As you step into 2026, you may feel unsure of where you’re headed or how you’ll get through another year. That’s okay. You don’t need a full plan. You only need the next small, kind step.

At Bakken-Young, we’re here to walk alongside you—with grief support resources, remembrance opportunities, and a listening ear whenever you need it. Your journey through loss matters, and you deserve compassion, especially at the start of a new year.