Holidays can be a time of intensified grieving. Families often gather, new memories are formed, and the absence of a loved one - in our case, a child - is further emphasized.
But how can bereaved parents honor their children’s memories during the holidays? Below are 10 ideas.
- Hang an ornament with your child’s name on it
- Prepare a Christmas stocking for your child
- Ask family and friends to write a holiday card addressed to your child, in their memory
- Eat a special food item that celebrates your child’s life
- Journal, reflecting on what you miss about your child this holiday
- Include an item that reminds you of your child when taking family holiday photos
- Light a candle in your child’s memory at a holiday gathering
- Mention your child’s name in conversation at a holiday gathering
- Hold a space for your child at the table
- Say a prayer of thanksgiving for your child’s life
Warm wishes to you in celebrating the holidays!