A grief journey through the holidays can be compared to the life of an octopus. An octopus is an adaptive, intelligent creature that survives by constantly shifting its shape, sensing its environment, and finding refuge when the world becomes too overwhelming. Like the octopus extending its many arms in different directions, grief reaches into every part of life, often unexpectedly. During the holidays when traditions, memories, and expectations are intensified these emotional “arms” may pull in conflicting ways: sadness, longing, gratitude, loneliness, nostalgia, and moments of peace all intertwined. Yet the octopus also symbolizes resilience. It can camouflage to protect itself, retreat into safe spaces, and move with quiet strength even in turbulent waters. In the same way, grieving through the holiday season requires flexibility, self-protection, and permission to move gently at one’s own pace. The octopus becomes a reminder that although grief changes form, it also shows us how to adapt, seek shelter when needed, and find new ways to exist in a world forever altered.