The holidays after loss can feel deeply confusing. You may want the cards, the invites, and the connection—and simultaneously feel unable to open an envelope or show up to a gathering. This internal push-and-pull is not a failure or a contradiction. It’s grief.

In this episode, Lauren explores the griever’s holiday paradox—the tension between wanting to be seen and wanting to disappear—and how this experience can unintentionally create distance between grievers and their support systems.

Lauren is joined by Rio Richards, Grief and Trauma Therapist and Coach, whose grounded wisdom and unexpected humor bring warmth to one of the most tender seasons of the year. Together, they unpack what’s happening beneath the surface for both grievers and supporters, and how to navigate the holidays with more clarity, compassion, and care.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why the holidays often intensify a griever’s desire to both connect and withdraw
• How emotional capacity and the nervous system shape holiday experiences
• Why friends and family sometimes hesitate to reach out—and what’s really driving that silence
• The “double-withdrawal” dynamic that can leave both grievers and supporters feeling alone
• Common misconceptions that lead people to avoid inviting or including a grieving person
• Gentle, compassionate ways grievers can communicate their needs without guilt
• How supporters can show up with confidence—even when they’re afraid of “saying the wrong thing”

This conversation is for widows and all grievers, and for the people who love them—those who want to show up, but aren’t always sure how.

A reminder from this episode:

You can want the invitation and still say no.
You can need space and still long to be remembered.
And supporters don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful—presence matters more than precision.

If this episode resonated, consider sharing it with someone who might need the reminder that they are not alone in this season—and that tenderness, presence, and self-compassion are still possible.

Be gentle with yourself.
Be patient with your heart.
And remember—you don’t have to navigate this alone.

Guest Spotlight: Rio Richards

Rio Richards is a Grief and Trauma Therapist and Coach who supports individuals navigating loss with honesty, humor, and deep compassion. As both a clinician and a griever herself, Rio brings a wide-angle lens to the complexities of grief—especially during the holidays.

Rio's Grief Support Menu

📍 Find Rio on Instagram: @andthatsgrief

If you're curious about Rio's work and are interested in joining her January grief portal, you can find more information HERE.