THOUGHTFUL WAYS TO REMEMBER A LOVED ONE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

While the holiday season is usually a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, it can be a bittersweet time for those who have lost a loved one. By finding ways to honor and remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, we can create moments of comfort and a sense of connection that help to keep their memory alive. Here are some thoughtful ways to remember our loved ones and cherish the memories we have of them.

Create a Memory Ornament

You can craft or purchase an ornament that reminds you of your loved one. You can find a way to include their name, a special date, an important photo, or anything that is significant to you. And each year, as you hang the ornaments, you'll be reminded of them and the moments that you cherish.

Light a Memorial Candle

Lighting a candle is a simple way of honoring and remembering our loved ones. Set up a designated area in your home with a memorial candle, and as you light it, take a moment to reflect on a memory of your loved one that brings you joy. I like to close my eyes and think back to a memory I haven’t revisited in a while, and take the time to connect with how I felt during that moment. You can also light the candle during holiday gatherings so that every time you catch a flicker in the corner of your eye, you can think back to that memory.

Cook Their Favorite Dish

Food has a unique way of connecting people. For some reason, the food that reminds me the most of my grandfather, is a pastry dish called Nazook. While neither of us had a particularly sweet tooth, he would always proudly tell everyone a story about when I was in elementary school and tried to teach the class the recipe for Nazook using excessively high oven temperatures and a ridiculously obscene amount of sugar (it was way more interesting the way he told it). While it wasn’t our favorite dish, I still smile every time I bite into a warm Nazook, and think of the pride in his voice as he told that story. Now, when the holidays come around, I find myself making a big batch to share with others and tell them the story in his place.

Write a Letter

Sometimes it’s physically and emotionally exhausting to try to do something during the holidays to honor our loved ones. An easy way to express your feelings and relive memories is by writing a letter. You can keep the letters and have a holiday letter box that you can add on to each year or you can simply throw it away. You don’t even have to write a full page; sometimes, a sticky note with an “I love you” or “I miss you” says it all.

Charitable Acts

Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, supporting a cause they believed in, or simply spreading kindness, contributing to others can be a meaningful way to pay tribute to our loved ones. If you know that they were passionate about something, involving yourself in it through volunteering can bring you a sense of closeness and comfort.

Listen to Their Favorite Music

Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Along with listening to some of their favorites, you can also play a song that reminds you of them on repeat. Or sing a song that reminds you of memories you’ve made together. Create a playlist to listen to when you miss them the most. It can be a comforting and uplifting way to feel their presence. Don’t forget to throw in a cathartic cry or an impromptu dance party as needed.

Take Care of Yourself

The holidays can be a challenging and emotionally draining time. It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental well-being. There’s no better way to honor your loved ones' memory than by caring for yourself. This year, try meditating, taking a nature walk, having a hot bath, or just seeking support from others. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you’re making time for yourself.

As the holiday season unfolds, finding thoughtful ways to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones can bring us a sense of warmth and connection. No matter how small, each gesture that we make contributes to the enduring legacy of those who have touched our lives profoundly. May the spirit of love and remembrance fill your holidays with comfort and peace.

Embracing memories, honoring legacies – Walter's Funeral Services, where every farewell is a celebration of a life well-lived.

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