Ways to Remember Your Loved Ones During the Holiday Season

Christmas can be an even more challenging time of the year than other important occasions.

On your child’s birthday or anniversary, the spotlight is on them, and while sadness is natural, Christmas seems to tug at your heart in a different way. The longing for your child and the piercing pain of loss stand out sharply against the backdrop of Christmas cheer and activity.

Below are some ways that you can honour and remember them.

• Craft a heartfelt “in memory” Christmas card, whether to cherish privately or to share with someone dear, encapsulating the enduring love you hold for your child.
• Consider leaving a tender Christmas ornament or cherished memento at the resting place of your child — a place filled with precious memories.
• Compose a loving letter addressed to your beloved child, expressing the emotions and thoughts from within your heart.
• Extend the warmth of the season by crafting a Christmas card for someone who has been a comforting presence during your moments of grief.
• Infuse the holiday spirit into your kitchen by baking Christmas cookies and adorning them with the initial letter of your child’s name as a sweet tribute.
• Embark on a reflective and soothing walk, dedicating this time to the cherished memories of your child.
• Indulge in the Christmas spirit by writing a letter to Santa
• Illuminate the night with a sparkler, spelling out your child’s name.
• Foster an atmosphere of love and appreciation by compiling a list of sentiments. Gather with your family or friends, take a moment to share and write down the aspects you cherish about each person.
• Immerse yourself in the enchanting glow of Christmas lights, whether it be a public display or one created with love at home.
• Craft a personalised Christmas candle in memory of your child — decorate a pillar candle or embellish a jar to cradle a tea light, letting the flame symbolise everlasting love.
• Connect with another bereaved parent by creating or purchasing a meaningful Christmas keepsake, ensuring it holds a touchstone related to their precious child.
• Capture the essence of your child in a Christmas photo, preserving the warmth and joy that the season can still bring.
• Celebrate the spirit of giving by purchasing a gift for a charity, choosing one that resonates with the age your child would be.
• Fashion a heartfelt Christmas wreath, allowing it to embody the spirit of the season in a size that feels fitting.
• Curate a special scrapbooking page dedicated to your child, weaving together memories and mementos in a visual celebration of their life.
• Seek solace in the verses of a Christmas poem or song that resonates with your emotions during this season.

Red Nose is committed to supporting families navigating the complexities of the loss of a baby or child. To access our specialised bereavement support including: counselling, peer support programs, support groups, and resources tailored to individual needs, click here.