How to Honor Loved Ones' Memories During the Holidays

(Family Features) The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but it can also bring intense feelings of loss and sadness for those grieving the death of a loved one.

To help families honor memories while caring for their emotional well-being, the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) recognizes the unique challenges of this season and offers these resources and tips.

Embrace Your Feelings

Grief is unique to each person, and emotions during the holidays can vary widely – from sadness and longing to moments of joy and peace. Give yourself permission to feel whatever arises without judgment. Allow space for tears or quiet reflection and remember it’s OK to experience mixed emotions. Acknowledging your feelings honestly can help you move through the season with greater self-compassion.

Create New Traditions

While old holiday traditions often hold treasured memories, creating new rituals can help you honor your loved one in a personal way.

“Keep as many traditions as you can keep, but we always encourage families to create a new tradition to remember that loved one who’s been lost,” said Tim Schramm, owner of Howe-Peterson Funeral Homes.

Lighting a candle in their memory, sharing stories that celebrate their life or setting up a special display of photos or keepsakes are small acts that can bring comfort. Some people find meaning in donating to a charity in their honor or volunteering together with family or friends to celebrate the spirit of giving.

Lean on Your Support System

Having trusted people around you can offer solace. Whether through family gatherings, friends, support groups or counseling, reaching out helps bridge feelings of loneliness. Being with others who understand your grief or sharing your memories can provide reassurance and companionship during times that might feel isolating.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-Being

It’s important to do what feels right for you, even if that means saying no to events or stepping away from overwhelming situations. Setting limits helps protect your emotional health and allows you to navigate the holidays at your own pace.

“As funeral directors, we often remind families that caring for yourself is just as important as honoring your loved one,” said Dr. Camelia Clarke, owner and licensed funeral director at Paradise Memorial. “Setting boundaries isn’t selfish – it’s an act of compassion that allows you to truly be present in the moments that matter most.”

Communicate honestly with loved ones about your needs as they will likely appreciate your openness.

Prioritize Self-Care

Grief can be emotionally and physically tiring, especially around the holidays. Take care of yourself through adequate rest, comforting meals, finding a new hobby or buying yourself a gift. Simple mindfulness practices, such as journaling or breathing exercises, can also help manage stress and bring moments of calm.

Remember with Compassion

Honoring your loved one’s memory is a personal journey. You might choose to share stories, write letters, observe moments of silence or engage in creative expressions like art or music. Embracing these acts with kindness and patience fosters healing and helps keep their spirit alive.

The holiday season often brings both challenges and opportunities for healing. By embracing your emotions, leaning on support, creating meaningful rituals, and caring for yourself, you can honor your loved ones in ways that feel right for you. Remember, you don’t have to face this time alone. Resources like journey cards from RememberingALife.com and other ways to keep memories alive are available to provide guidance and comfort as needed.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock