Grief and Joys of the Holiday Season
Virtual Funeral Professionals Peer Support Meeting in December
WHEELING, IL— Between family obligations, work commitments, and winter weather, the holiday season can herald a uniquely stressful experience. Take some time for yourself next week. Join the virtual December Funeral Professionals Peer Support meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 8pm EST / 7pm CST / 5pm PST and support our own experiences as funeral professionals even as we serve grieving families.
Amidst the gatherings and celebrations are long nights, many obligations, and the unique grief this month can bring. That’s why we need to take a moment to offer ourselves and our colleagues the same grace that we give our grieving families. We can acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, especially when we’re facing our own personal and professional stressors.
On December 16, Kelly Manion facilitates the monthly peer support meeting for us all to take some time to unwind with people who “get it.” With over 25 years dedicated to purpose-driven work in grief and over a decade of experience in the funeral service profession, Kelly understands the unique hardships and joys of this time of year. By providing space to talk about our grief, Kelly will help us understand the unique ways we all grieve and how to maintain our care for ourselves and our colleagues in the midst of it.
For reasons both cheerful and challenging, December can be packed full of obligations. If you cannot attend this peer support meeting, or are seeking support outside of this time, Funeral Professionals Peer Support’s Warmline is open 24/7 for calls and texts. Connect with someone who understands what you are going through: 613-917-8057 (call or text).
The unique grief and joy of the holidays can be emotionally and physically draining, so remember to take special care in this special time of year. Connect with your funeral professional peers on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 8pm EST / 7pm CST / 5pm PST via Zoom link at cremationassociation.org/peersupport. No registration is required, simply follow the link to join. (Please note that this meeting is hosted in an area that observes the time change at the end of Daylight Saving and “fell back” to Standard Time. Double-check your time zone before attending.)
About Funeral Professionals Peer Support
Funeral Professionals Peer Support Group is committed to providing support, healing, education and knowledge to funeral professionals. They promote wholeness and wellness by uniting funeral sector professionals through a Canada-wide network of regional organizations offering support, information and resources within their community.
About CANA
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international organization of over 3,700 members, composed of funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, and consultants. CANA members believe that cremation is preparation for memorialization.
