How can you pay tribute to a loved one who has died this festive season?
While this time of year holds a lot of joy and merriment, those who have lost a loved one can also find it incredibly difficult. In the midst of these emotional ups and downs, many who grieve discover that remembering their loved one in specific ways brings a special kind of healing. Read on for six ways to honour someone you’ve loved and lost.
1. Create a New Family Tradition
Did your loved one support a particular ministry or nonprofit? Consider volunteering your time or giving a donation in their honour. Was there a special reading, poem, or story your loved one enjoyed year after year? Read it while sharing memories over a favorite meal or festive treat. Incorporating new traditions this time of year is a beautiful way to keep your treasured memories of your loved one close to your heart.
2. Decorate Their Final Resting Place
Many cemeteries decorate for the holidays with lights and floral wreaths. Keep in mind that you can add your own seasonal décor to the gravesite while making sure to meet cemetery regulations. Check the cemetery’s website for guidelines, then visit the final resting place to add a personal touch to your loved one’s final resting place.
3. Attend a Memorial Service
It’s likely there’s a special holiday program in your community to honour loved ones during Season. With music, inspirational readings, and memorial offerings, setting aside time to attend is a meaningful way to pay tribute and come together with others who are coping with loss.
4. Sign up for a Scattering Event
More families than ever are choosing cremation over traditional burial, but they’re often unsure of what to do with the cremated remains. A scattering ceremony is an opportunity to scatter the remains in a garden or other peaceful setting in a dignified and memorable way.
5. Check Items Off Their Bucket List
Did your loved one have a bucket list or mention things they would like to achieve, do, see, feel, and experience before they died? From a travel destination to taking an art class or visiting their childhood home, completing items on their bucket list will help you feel closer to the one you loved.
6. Design a Memory Capsule
Collecting items that held special meaning to your loved one can bring healing all its own. Placing these items in a sturdy container to revisit every year over the holidays adds to it. From favorite photos and recipes to trinkets, art projects, letters, and more, the options are endless and extremely personal.
(buschcares.com)
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