When you and your family are deciding how to honor your lost loved one’s memory remember that everyone has different ways of coping with the same loss. Share your thoughts with each other on different coping styles and what will work for everyone. Choose a tradition you all feel comfortable with.
Here are some ideas:
•At the start of your holiday meal offer a toast, recite a poem or prayer or have family members share a special memory.
•Express your feelings by writing in a journal or write a letter to your lost loved one. If you are comfortable with that written expression, share it with your family and friends.
•Plant their favorite tree or dedicate a bench or plaque in their memory this holiday season.
•Hang a stocking for the loved one and let family and friends include notes of remembrance that can be shared.
•Hang a special ornament on the tree.
•Light a candle in your home or at church during the holiday celebrations.
•Donate money in their memory to their favorite charity, animal shelter, etc.
•Place a memorial ad in the newspaper or add a memorial announcement in your church bulletin.
•Gather your family and friends and share favorite stories and memories about that person.
•Share photographs and videos from past holiday celebrations.
Many people may feel they should not celebrate the holiday season out of respect for their lost loved one. Realize it is alright to feel moments of joy and happiness this holiday season, it’s not disrespectful to the loved one who has died but rather a chance to reflect on their memory, cherish the memories and start the healing process. After all, that is what they would want for you; they would want you to keep on living your life and be joyful.
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