'Tis the season to be jolly, but for many, the holiday season can be anything but joyful.

Bill LaPierre, of Clark Funeral Home in Yorkton, says the period from Thanksgiving to Christmas is his busiest time of year. He handles twice as many funerals as he does during the summertime, he says.

For grieving families, the holidays can bring added stress and painful memories.

Grief experts from Hospice Care of Westchester and Putnam have offered some tips for those coping with loss during the holidays.

They say the bereft should try to accept help from others and should take time to care for themselves. They also say to remember that it's OK to grieve and be unhappy, but it's also OK to take joy in moments with friends.