The holidays are the most cheerful and festive time of year, with Christmas decorations in almost every shop, music on the radio, and Christmas lights adorning every street.
However, if you’ve just lost a loved one, these celebrations may sound hollow. Grieving is painful at any time of year, but it may be especially difficult over the holidays, especially if your loved one died during this season or if this is the first season you’ll spend without them.
Even though your grief is still raw, it is possible to find calm over the holiday season. We’ve compiled a few pointers to assist you honour your loved one’s life by cherishing the Holiday traditions they enjoyed and developing some new memories and customs they would like.
These suggestions are intended to respect the requirement of mourning and to honour your loved one’s memory, while also providing you a sense of control over the process and allowing you to begin your road of healing.
1. Make decorations for the graveyard.
Wreaths, grave blankets, small Christmas trees in pots, poinsettias, and battery-powered lights are just a few of the various ways to decorate in memory of a loved one.
2. Buy an ornament for the tree.
3. Hang up their stocking.
4. Light a candle.
5. Donate to a charity in your loved one’s name.
6. Go to a memorial service.
7. Look through photo albums of past Christmases.
8. Buy gifts for someone in need.
9. Watch old videos.
10. Sing or listen to their favourite Christmas carol.
11. Release a balloon with a note to your loved one.
12. Put up a decoration at home in honour of your loved one.
13. Release a sky lantern.
14. Tell stories about your loved one.
15. Read the Bible or your loved one’s favourite Bible story.
16. Put together a photo album of your loved one.
17. Buy small rocks for your loved one’s grave.
18. Carry on a family tradition.
19. Write a letter to your loved one.
20. Do something you loved to do together.
How you handle your loved one’s memory is very personal. Be present for your loss in whatever form in may take and be gentle with yourself during the holidays.
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