10 Ways to Memorialize a Loved One Around the Holidays

The holidays are among us. As we take a break from the hustle and bustle of our normal routines, it’s only natural to find ourselves thinking about those who are no longer with us.

Missing someone we care about can easily take away from what would otherwise be a joyous time of year, especially when the loss is recent. Finding meaningful ways to commemorate a loved one eases our pain and enables us to once again experience moments of happiness.

Even though the hallmarks of the season will not be the same, uniting with others to celebrate a life just may lead to new traditions that everyone looks forward to for years to come.

Below you will find 10 special ways to memorialize a loved one during the holidays.

1. Attend a remembrance ceremony

Taking part in a candle lighting event or worship service brings peace and solace to a heavy heart.

Many churches as well as a growing number of funeral homes, hospitals, and hospice facilities host these types of functions during the month of December.

Those who attend are able to outwardly express their grief in a structured, yet supportive environment.

2. Take part in a favorite activity

Participating in something that the person who passed away enjoyed around the holidays pays tribute to their life in a lighthearted manner.

Baking cookies, decorating the house, or driving through the community and different neighborhoods to look at festive lights are all fitting ideas for the season.

Giving the person’s hobby a try, cheering on their most-loved sports team, or simply watching their favorite movie make for nice tributes too.

3. Do an act of kindness

A spirited good deed keeps a loved one’s memory alive and on the forefront of our minds.

Some people choose to volunteer at schools, nursing homes, and local service organizations. Others prefer to take food to a homeless shelter or buy presents for a family who is struggling to make ends meet.

An additional suggestion is to send a card to a person who was important to the deceased.

This list goes on and on!

4. Set up a memory table

Having a designated place at the holiday gathering to showcase pictures, mementos, along with cards or notes for others to read is sure to warm the hearts of family and friends.

Some of the same items that were used at the memorial service or funeral can be showcased for those who didn’t get a chance to fully appreciate everything that was displayed.

5. Prepare a special dish

Making a recipe the person really liked or regularly prepared brings a sense of familiarity and much-needed comfort to a meal. Afterall, everyone looks forward to all the wonderful food around the holidays.

Having a missing seat at the dinner table is very difficult, particularly that first year. For some, this gesture helps minimize feelings of emptiness.

6. Make a memorial donation

Donating to a charity or nonprofit organization is a gracious way to support a cause on behalf of the deceased.

Another option is to start a memorial scholarship in the deceased’s name. Providing others with opportunities to better themselves ensures a person’s legacy is carried on through positivity and generosity.

7. Practice self-care

Whether a loss occurred a month ago or 10 years ago, taking care of one’s own emotional well-being should be a priority.

By no means should doing so be considered selfish, as it is what the person who passed away would have wanted.

It’s important to bear in mind that healing can only take place when we have the capacity to fully open our hearts to connect with the past.

8. Hang a remembrance stocking

A loved one’s stocking that is hung for all to see serves as a reminder the person is gone but not forgotten.

This rather subtle acknowledgment can be turned into a family activity by having everyone write down memories on small pieces of paper and place them in the stocking. Prior to opening gifts, the messages are read out loud.

9. Visit the final resting place

Taking time to visit the cemetery and decorate a loved one’s grave respectfully honors their life. Various types of wreaths, grave blankets, and bouquets can be purchased or made by hand.

Spending a few extra minutes cleaning the marker and tidying up the surrounding area allows those left behind to feel as though they are taking care of the departed.

10. Make an ornament for the tree

Gathering as a family to make and decorate an ornament creates a safe space to talk openly and honestly. It also provides children with a platform to express feelings they may have been suppressing.

Those needing a little inspiration can find a lot of different examples on Pinterest. Purchasing a personalized ornament from an online retailer such as Etsy is also appropriate.

Choose What Feels Right To You

I’ve shared only a few of the many ways to honor a loved one’s memory and by no means do you have to select something from this list.

I would, however, like to recommend that in your quest to balance celebrating the holidays and memorializing a loved one that you don’t put too much added stress or pressure on yourself.

Another small piece of advice is to be mindful of the fact that commemoration doesn’t have to be elaborate or involve extensive planning. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just setting aside time to reminisce may be perfectly adequate.

In the end all that really matters is that you are remembering your loved one in a manner that feels right to you.