The holiday season is a difficult time for those coping with the loss of a loved one. While they are no longer with you, there are ways you can keep them in your heart while honoring their life during the most wonderful time of year. Here are three ways to keep their spirit alive well after the funeral arrangements are finalized.

How to Remember a Loved One During the Holiday Season

1. Share Stories With Friends & Family

While making funeral arrangements, you may have included time during which those close to your loved one could share stories. The holidays, too, are a wonderful time to reflect on the joy the person brought to your life. While gathered with friends and family, take time to share stories and smiles about the person you have lost. To make this ritual even more special, prepare some of the person’s favorite dishes and enjoy them with the entire group. This is a beautiful way to keep the departed in everyone’s mind during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

2. Make a Memory Ornament

Although the stress of the holidays and recent funeral arrangements may be tough to cope with, decking the halls is a fun activity that can bring happiness to the situation. If the decorations on your tree just don’t seem complete without the presence of your loved one, creating a memory ornament is a beautiful way to honor the departed. The ornament can take almost any form, but it should capture the essence of the person. Did they have a favorite animal or a hobby they loved to enjoy? Incorporating these types of details into the ornament can make it special every time you hang it on the tree for many years to come.

3. Donate to Their Favorite Charity

What better way to honor a loved one’s spirit than by helping others? If your loved one donated to or volunteered for a particular charity, carrying on that service in their name is a great way to keep their generous spirit alive. Also, you can request that your friends or family do the same in lieu of giving holiday gifts to you to involve more people in the positivity. 

If you’ve recently lost a loved one, Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia, IL, is ready to offer compassionate assistance. With more than 80 years of experience, the Monroe County funeral home will help you make all of the necessary decisions involving funeral arrangements. And, with an online 24/7 grief support system, you’ll never be alone through the process. Visit their website for more information on the services they provide, or call (618) 281-4123 to speak with a friendly representative.