While Christmas can be a joyful and happy time for many, it can also be a day that is a reminder of the people who we have lost. As families and friends gather together, Christmas offers us a unique opportunity to collectively remember and mourn our loved ones who are no longer with us. It can, however, be a poignant reminder of the absence of a beloved family member or friend. In this blog post, we have listed a few ways you can remember and cherish your lost loved ones this Christmas season.
Lighting a candle has been used for thousands of years as a way to remember those dear to us. For some people it may help to dedicate a space in your home where you can set up a small memorial area. Place the candle in the centre and surround it with photos and memories you have shared. This will offer you a special place to come and reflect on their life.
Hang a stocking for your lost loved one and fill it with letters and memories in the lead up to Christmas. As a family, or alone, you can spend some of Christmas Day reading all of the messages in the stocking and remembering the good times you spent together. To make this even more memorable, you could have a personalised keepsake stocking made from your loved ones clothes.
Our keepsake stockings can be made with a favourite but worn old Christmas jumper or even just some particularly festive material you're really fond of. Each stocking includes an embroidered name personalised along the top with a lovely hook for hanging by the fireplace.
One way to use the money you may have spent on their Christmas present is to donate it to a charity or cause that was close to their heart. If you have already purchased something for them then the gift could also be donated to those in need. This is a wonderful way to honour your loved ones memory while supporting those who are in greater need.
If you had a particular family tradition that you did each Christmas, try to recreate it. Whether that is singing your loved one’s favourite Christmas carol, playing their favourite board games or simply sitting by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, it can be comforting to take part in your loved one’s favourite holiday traditions.
Whether you have old photo albums or a digital collection of memories, having your photos displayed is a great way to remember your loved one at Christmas. Share these photos with any guests and soon enough you’ll be reminiscing and telling stories with family and friends.
Our gorgeous classic keepsake memory bear is a really timeless way to treasure the clothes you can't bear to part with. Made from clothes that you want to keep and treasure, each bear will be a lasting reminder of those precious times and will quickly become one of your most beloved possessions. Your bear will be lovingly handmade by our team, ensuring each bear is completely unique to you.
Photo cushions are a fantastic way to create unique keepsakes, laden with the memories that mean the most to you. We can take your photos, either physical or electronic ones, print them to special washable cotton and incorporate them into your cushion. We can make them from the beloved old clothing or other fabric you choose to send in, or we can create them using our own fabric.
Visiting departed loved ones at Christmas is a tradition in many cultures around the world. A visit to a cemetery or memorial park can be a cathartic experience and it presents the perfect opportunity to share memories, say prayers or simply take part in a ritual of remembrance. This Christmas, why not visit your loved ones final resting place, lay a Christmas wreath and reflect on their life.
We hope that you are able to find some peace and joy at Christmas. You can browse our entire range of lovely keepsake ideas here and read our previous blog posts here.
