4 Ways to Honor the Memory of Lost Loved Ones
With the holidays here and a focus on creating memories and spending time with loved ones, it might bring up more intense memories and feelings of grief as you remember a lost loved one.
You may find comfort in an activity or ritual to honor and keep your loved one’s memory alive.
Here are 4 ways to honor a lost loved one during the holiday season:
1. Have an open conversation.
Sharing stories of the deceased can help ease the feeling of loss and carries on their memory throughout the season. Talking about your grief openly can also help those struggling to feel validated and less alone in their grief. It might open the doorway for you and your loved ones to share stories and insights among others who also share in your grief. You may even learn something new you hadn’t known about them before! Talking about traditions that were shared in the past can also spark ideas for new or reinvigorated holiday traditions.
2. Create a memorial ornament or light a candle.
Lighting a memorial candle with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus, or lighting a lantern is a peaceful reminder of your loved one. You can also create a memorial ornament, stocking, or small memento to add to your holiday décor. If you saved holiday cards, you can frame or display them to keep those memories alive during the season.
3. Make a donation in your loved one’s name.
Nonprofit and charitable organizations can always use extra help at the end of the year. To honor the causes or passions of the deceased, making a financial contribution or donation of goods in their memory is another way to honor your loved one’s legacy.
4. Celebrate the holidays.
It is important to continue living, building upon the loving and joyful memories made with your lost loved one. The best way to honor their memory is to continue to bring joy to your holiday season, and for those who are still here to celebrate with you.
Or you can always create your own way to honor your loved one, or start a new annual tradition in their memory.
The holidays can be a stressful time, bringing up heavy emotions for those grieving a loss. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, yet it is important to allow space for joy and lightness during the season as well. For additional resources to navigate grief, visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com/grief-support.