The holiday season brings joy and celebration with family and friends. It can also bring stress, sadness, and loneliness, especially if you’ve recently held a funeral or cremation service in Hamilton, NJ.

If this is you, you may be looking for ways to honor and remember the ones who are no longer with you. Here are a few ideas for holiday-themed life celebrations inclusive of the memories of departed loved ones.

Host a holiday dinner in honor of your loved one

Invite close friends and family to come together, share memories, and enjoy a meal together. You can even set a special place at the table for your loved one to symbolize their presence.

Create a memorial tree or wreath

Decorate a tree or wreath with special ornaments that remind you of your loved one. You can also write their name on a ribbon and hang it on the tree or wreath.

Participate in a candle-lighting ceremony

Many communities hold candle-lighting ceremonies to remember and honor those who have passed on during the holiday season. Find one near you and participate in the memory of your loved one.

Donate to a charity in your loved one’s name

Choose a charity that was meaningful to your loved one and donate in their memory. You can also volunteer your time in their honor.

Write a letter or poem to your loved one

Take some time to sit down and write a letter or poem to your loved one, expressing your love, gratitude, and memories. You can keep it for yourself or share it with others who are also grieving.

Create a memory box or album

Collect photos, mementos, and other items that remind you of your loved one, and put them in a special box or album. You can look through the box or album during the holidays to remember your loved one and all the happy times you shared.

Hold a holiday-themed memorial service

If you and your loved ones want a formal memorial service, consider having a holiday-themed service. You can incorporate holiday music, readings, and other elements into the service to make it meaningful and personal.

Take a trip to your special place

If there is a place that was particularly dear to your loved one, consider going there during the holidays. It doesn’t have to be a grand trip. You may simply visit their favorite restaurant, bar, or other location and reflect on your shared memories.

Remember your loved one in your holiday traditions.

If you have holiday traditions you used to do with your loved one, try to continue them in their memory. You can also create new traditions that honor your loved one to make things interesting for yourself and keep their memory alive.

It is totally natural to be in your feelings, ranging from anxiety to sentimentality to sadness and grief during the holidays. Take care of yourself and do what feels right for you. It helps not to be alone, so don’t reject offers of support from friends and family.

You may also explore counseling, support groups, and other grief resources you can access through your funeral or cremation service in Hamilton, NJ. You can call or meet with us any time you need our assistance.