It’s the holiday season, that magical time of year when we enjoy sparkly lights, family gatherings, and scrumptious feasts. As wonderful as the holiday season is, however, it may pose unique challenges for individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
The holidays tend to amplify the emotions of sorrow for those cycling through grief; a stark reminder that this year a loved one is missing from the family table. The layers of traditions and holiday memories created over the years suddenly feel very distant without that special person’s presence.
Surprisingly, however, the holidays can also present opportunities to honor your loved one in some new special ways, not only relieving the pain in your heart but also turning that sadness into something productive and positive.
6 Ways to Honor a Lost Loved One this Holiday Season
It is inevitable that we’ll all experience loss and grief eventually. If loss has touched your family this year, here are some beautiful ways to express your grief in a positive way:
- Cook their favorite holiday meal. Whether they loved a hearty tuna casserole or delectable roast duck, recreate your loved one’s favorite menu items at this year’s Christmas gathering. Raise a glass and make a toast to the loved one, and be sure to bake their favorite holiday dessert item, too.
- Create a small memorial Christmas tree. Making crafts can have a therapeutic effect, so why not gather the family together to create something special in your loved one’s honor. Buy a small Christmas tree and create some handmade ornaments, and then embellish them with messages of love.
- Volunteer at their favorite charity. If your loved one had a special heart for helping out in the community, carry on that tradition by volunteering. Look for a local charity event that they would have likely participated in, and stand in for them this year as a family.
- Plant a tree in their honor. Depending on your planting region, you may be able to plant a tree to honor your loved one this month. Select a spot that is meaningful, such as the family yard or a location that had special meaning to them. Gather together to plant the tree, and add a memorial plaque with their name. Enjoy watching it grow as the years go by.
- Decorate their resting place. If your loved one is resting in a local memorial park, why not meet up to decorate his or her resting place. Stop as a group at the local Wal-Mart to purchase some festive decorations, then caravan to the gravesite to add some color and sparkle.
- Make a family donation in their name. Donating to a special cause in the loved one’s name can be a very soothing gesture for the family. Pick a foundation that is associated with a relevant medical or mental health condition, or donate to a social cause that the loved one cared deeply about.
Even if you struggle to seek ways to stay positive this Christmas, keep in mind that your loved one would not want you to miss out on the beauty of the holiday season. Try to summon up the strength to do more than just gut out the holidays this year. Make this holiday season special and positive by honoring your loved one in some meaningful way.
