Six Ways to Honor Your Loved One Over the Holidays

For most of us, the holidays are a time to joyfully celebrate with family and friends — the people we love. That’s why the season can be so challenging after the loss of a loved one.

It’s normal to dread the holidays (or even feel tempted to “cancel” them completely) after someone close to you passes away. But being with others can help with healing, even if it’s hard.

Here are six ways to honor your loved one this holiday season:

1. Have a moment of silence.
Before you eat, ask your family members or friends to join you in a moment of silence to remember your loved one. Afterward, you can encourage them to share a favorite memory of the person if they’d like.

2. Leave out pictures and mementos.
Display photos and other sentimental objects. They can trigger conversations and shared memories of the person.

3. Light a candle.
Much like saving a seat at the table, lighting a candle in memory of someone you’ve lost helps you remember they’re still with you. Saying a prayer or sharing memories of the person when the candle is lit also helps honor their memory and keep them close.

4. Save a seat.
Leaving your loved one’s chair empty for them is a visual reminder of the person who’s missing this year. It’s a way of mourning their loss while still incorporating their presence into your holiday gathering.

5. Share their stories.
It’s normal when grieving, especially when you’ve recently lost someone, to think of your loved one as they were right before they passed — when they may have been sick or frail. But sharing past stories of them helps recast that narrative and turns your focus to memories of when they were vibrant and healthy.

6. Support a cause.
If your loved one enjoyed supporting a special cause or organization, consider donating this year in their memory. You could give to a local children’s hospital, donate to an animal shelter, or volunteer your time at a community center.

Coping with grief over the holidays

There’s no denying the holidays can be hard, especially when you’re grieving. That’s why, when it comes to grief, there are no best practices. Whatever works for you is what works best. That may mean going to Thanksgiving dinner, deciding you’d rather not go, or going for just a little while. It also may mean breaking with tradition completely this year and asking your family members or friends to eat at a park with you instead.

Although you may feel lonely during the holidays, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. While you may want some time to yourself to mourn your loss, it may also help to spend time with other people who are grieving since the connections you form can help with healing.

Find support this holiday season

At Traditions Health, we’re honored to be on life’s journey with you. If you need support this holiday season, we’re here to help. Contact your local branch for additional information.