Grief & the Season

Because the holidays don't stop for grief… and grief doesn't take a holiday

The holidays can feel very different when someone you love is missing.

Christmas, family gatherings, traditions, celebrations and the arrival of another year.

When you're grieving, even the things you once looked forward to can now feel overwhelming.

You don't have to navigate it all on your own.

Join me for four weeks of understanding, connection and practical support as we make space for your grief while navigating the Christmas and New Year season ahead.

7–28 December 2026 | Mondays, 7:30 pm AEDT | Live online

What we'll explore together

Four weeks, four conversations that matter:

When the world is celebrating, but you're missing someone

Perhaps you've been dreading Christmas since the decorations started appearing in the shops.

Maybe you're wondering how you'll get through the family gatherings, the empty chair, and the traditions that no longer feel the same.

Or perhaps it's the thought of another New Year beginning without your person that feels particularly heavy.

You might feel sad, angry, anxious, jealous or lonely because someone you love isn’t here… and no one seems to understand how hard that is. Maybe you feel guilty at the thought of possibly enjoying yourself or smiling again. You may even feel all of these things in the space of five minutes.

There's no right way to grieve during the holidays. And there's certainly no rule that says you have to be merry.

This program isn't about fixing your grief or teaching you to put on a brave face.

It's about getting to know what this season brings up for you, discovering what supports you and giving yourself permission to experience it in your own way.

DEC 7

Week 1

When the Season Feels Different

Understanding what the holidays bring up for us, recognising our grief triggers and preparing for the weeks ahead.

DEC 14

Week 2

Permission to Do Things Differently

Navigating expectations, invitations, traditions, boundaries and giving ourselves permission to make choices that support us. Discovering what you want to keep, change or let go of this year.

DEC 21

Week 3

Making Space for Love & Loss

Preparing for Christmas Day, remembering our people, managing difficult moments and allowing room for whatever emotions arise.

DEC 28

Week 4

Another Year Without Them

Reflecting on Christmas and acknowledging what was difficult. Exploring the emotions that can accompany New Year, the pressure for fresh starts and what it means to carry your love and memories into another year.

Optional private coaching session

A 60 minute one-on-one conversation with you in January, offering personalised support, space for private questions and an opportunity to explore what comes next.

JAN

What's included?

  • Four weekly 75-minute live group sessions on Zoom

  • Gentle education, reflection and practical strategies

  • Opportunities to connect with people who understand grief

  • Access to a private Facebook group to connect with other participants

  • A companion reflection guide

  • Session recordings to revisit in your own time

  • A supportive environment with no pressure to share

You can participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. There is no compulsory homework, no forced sharing and no expectation to have it all together.

A few questions you might have

Is this only for people who have lost a partner?

Not at all. This program is for anyone grieving the death of someone they love, whether that's a partner, parent, child, sibling, friend or another important person.

What if my person died years ago?

You're welcome. Grief doesn't follow a calendar, and the holidays can bring up difficult emotions regardless of how much time has passed.

Do I have to share my story?

Absolutely not. You're welcome to listen, reflect and participate in whatever way feels comfortable for you.

What if I can't attend every session?

Attendance to the group sessions is encouraged, however session recordings are included as I know how busy this time of year can be.

Is this counselling or therapy?

This is a grief education and coaching experience, offering practical tools, reflection and community. It isn't a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Please make sure that this program is aligned with your current needs prior to enrolling.

You don't have to make this season look like everyone else's.

Maybe this year will be completely different… and maybe some things will stay the same.

Whatever the season brings, there's room for your grief, your love, your memories and your own way of navigating it.

I'd love to have you join us.

Group Experience

$127

One-off payment · AUD

Four weeks of understanding, connection and practical support as you navigate the holiday season.

  • Four weekly live group sessions on Zoom

  • Session recordings

  • Companion reflection guide

Choose the support that feels right for you:

Group + Personal Experience

$197

One-off payment · AUD

Everything in the Group Experience, plus a private conversation focused entirely on you.

  • All group inclusions

  • 60-minute private coaching session in January

  • Personalised support for what comes next

Limited to 10 places

Both experiences include the same four-week group program. The Group + Personal Experience simply gives you additional time and space to explore your own grief privately.

A little about me

I'm Carolyn, a grief and life coach, grief educator and author of The 3 Eras of Grief.

When my husband Tony died, I discovered just how lonely grief could feel, particularly when the rest of the world seemed to be carrying on as usual.

I've experienced the empty chair, the changing traditions, and that strange feeling of entering another year knowing someone you love won't be physically part of it.

I've also learned that understanding our own grief, making space for it and having people around us who don't expect us to be okay can make a meaningful difference.

That's why I created Grief & the Season.

Not to tell you how to do Christmas, but to help you discover what feels right for you.