Holiday Grief: Mom's Painful Social Media Flashbacks

Emilie Kiser, an influencer, is candidly sharing her experience of grieving her 3-year-old son, Trigg, during the holiday season. She recently revealed that social media content, especially holiday traditions like 'Elf on the Shelf,' has become an unexpected and significant trigger, causing painful memories and deep sadness. Kiser is prioritizing her mental well-being by limiting her phone usage and consciously managing her emotional responses during this challenging time.

Kiser explained that while she anticipated personal events might evoke grief, the constant barrage of holiday cheer online was unforeseen. She acknowledged that her youngest son, Teddy, is too young for these traditions, intensifying her feelings of loss. The influencer described how the joy of the previous December, filled with Trigg, contrasts sharply with the current holiday season, which she recognizes will never feel the same, despite efforts to find new ways to make it special.

Previously, Kiser had taken a social media hiatus after Trigg's passing before returning in September. She has since shared a mix of daily life vlogs and heartfelt expressions of her grief. In preparation for the holidays, she emphasized setting zero expectations, allowing herself to feel emotions fully, and giving herself permission to step away from traditions if needed, highlighting the ongoing struggle of living with profound loss.