Eight Heartwarming Memorial Ideas for the Holidays

By: VGFS
Saturday, December 11, 2021

When a loved one passes, the holidays are never quite the same. Whether the loss is recent or occurred years ago, parties, songs, and movies can all trigger grief at this time of year.

You may be tempted to avoid the festivities but we suggest a different approach: find touching ways to keep your loved one’s memory alive during the holiday season.

We’ve compiled this list of eight clever ideas to help you get started.

Create a new tradition.

If you don’t feel up to carrying out your usual family customs, try something different. Create a new holiday tradition that memorializes your loved one and brings personal meaning to the occasion. For example, you might arrange a candlelight memorial and invite family and friends to light candles at a designated time in memory of the departed.

Attend a holiday memorial event.

Many funeral homes and cemeteries host holiday remembrance programs for the community. These events serve to support people coping with grief and to honor the lives of those who have passed away during the year. These remembrance ceremonies are usually free and open to the public, and they can help the bereaved get through the season by garnering support from others who are also grieving a loss.

Bring out the photos.

People love browsing through old pictures, so display your old photo albums in a prominent location for holiday visitors. Before you know it you’ll be reminiscing and swapping fond memories with family and friends.

Do some good with your loved one’s belongings.

It can be hard to part with items that once belonged to the departed. The holidays present the perfect opportunity to give away some of these things. Wrap up a few of your favorite items and give them to family and friends who will appreciate them. Include a card letting the recipient know why you chose to bequeath this particular item. You might also consider donating some appropriate items like outdoor garments, clothing, and blankets to a local shelter or assistance organization.

Visit their final resting place.

If you’re seeking a more traditional way to honor your loved one, make a trip to their place of rest. Whether it’s a grave at a cemetery, the location where you scattered their ashes, or some other meaningful spot, spend some quiet time with the one who passed on. Pray, tell stories, and visit while.

Create a holiday playlist.

Whether you're trimming the tree or preparing for a party, a customized holiday playlist can help everyone get in the spirit. Include your loved one’s favorite seasonal hymns and melodies. Ask family members to add their favorites to create a montage of festive tunes that will appeal to everyone.

Create a memory stocking.

Hang a special stocking on the mantle in honor of your loved one. Put out markers and slips of paper and invite your family and friends to jot down fond memories or loving anecdotes about the person who passed on. Place them in the stocking and when everyone is gathered together, read the memories aloud.

Start a ‘giving back’ holiday tradition.

One of the best ways to get in the spirit when you don’t feel cheery is to do good for others. There are so many ways you can make the holiday season brighter for those who are less fortunate. Consider volunteering your time at a soup kitchen or a food bank. Coats, gloves, and hats are always in need at this time of year, so go through your closets and donate your gently used outerwear to a local shelter.

If you would like more holiday remembrance ideas or need to make funeral arrangements, our caring professionals are here to assist you. Please contact us anytime. 

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Returning to Work After a Loved One Passes: Eight Helpful Coping Strategies

When you are returning to work after a loved one passes away, it can be an emotional journey filled with uncertainty. If the prospect of heading back to your workplace after loss feels overwhelmin...

How Should You Choose the Day and Time of the Funeral?

When bidding farewell to a cherished family member or friend, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is selecting the appropriate day and time of the funeral. Amid the emotional challen...

Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery...

Do You Know the Signs of Dehydration? Seven Sneaky Symptoms That Might Surprise You

We pay close attention to the signs of dehydration we've grown accustomed to, but these less-apparent indictors are just as important. We all know staying hydrated is critical for good health, esp...

Planning Your Own Funeral? Here's Why That's a Smart Way to Go

Planning your funeral is an act of compassion that alleviates the stress on your family, allowing them to focus on healing and cherishing your memory. There are few things in life as poignant as c...

The AFRO Honors Morticians as Unsung Heroes

The AFRO honored the “Unsung Heroes” of the COVID-19 pandemic at Valley Mansion by Martin’s on Aug. 6. At a special event earlier this month, the media company commended morticians for their...

Seven Important Considerations When Making Funeral Decisions for a Departed Loved One

Making funeral decisions can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the life of your loved one. Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences any f...

August is Black-Owned Business Month: We Celebrate With You

During August, we celebrate and recognize Black Business Month and the invaluable contributions generations of Black Americans have made in our communities, economy, and world. The forward momentu...

Seven Lesser-Known Signs of Dementia that Might Surprise You

While most people are aware of its familiar symptoms like memory loss, there are lesser-known signs of dementia that can be just as important. Dementia is a condition that affects millions of indi...

Wondering What to Bring to a Funeral or Celebration of Life?

While sympathy cards or floral arrangements are customary, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to what to bring to a funeral, memorial, or life celebration. While our presence at a funera...