Honoring a Child's Memory at Christmas: Finding Light in the Darkness
The holiday season can be particularly challenging when you’ve lost a child (or a loved one at all). The joy and festivities around us can feel like a stark contrast to the very real sense that something (or more accurately, someone) is missing. Yet, I’ve found that honoring their memory during this time can create a sense of connection and love even as we’re struggling. Here are some of the special ways to remember our little ones at Christmas, ensuring their spirit remains a part of our celebrations.
Create (or purchase if crafting doesn’t bring you any joy) a new ornament to add to your tree that symbolizes a child’s personality or a cherished memory. Whether it’s a little angel, a favorite toy, or something that represents their interests, hanging that ornament on the tree can become a touching ritual. This simple act transforms the tree into a living tribute to their memory, making them a part of our family traditions.
Similarly, have a second tree to decorate with all the memorial ornaments that you’ve purchased or made yourself with anything you may have been gifted. This is what we do at Christmas time. We have some that go on the big tree but, also have a smaller Angel tree with all of Brady and Levi’s memorial ornaments.
If your child was older and has a favorite food, you may think about preparing their favorite food to contribute to the Christmas dinner. It’s an opportunity to share stories about them, memories made while sharing this food with them etc. The dinner table is always an ideal place to bring this kind of meaning. Especially at Christmas.
I’ve found solace in giving back in their name. Whether it’s donating to a charity they would have loved, volunteering at a local shelter, or sponsoring a family in need, these acts of kindness allow me to share their spirit with the world. We often would try and sponsor a family or child that has a boy that would be around Brady and/or Levi’s age. It’s a way of spreading love and joy, honoring their memory and serving our hearts in doing something that we had been missing, shopping for and bringing joy to a little guy.
Christmas will always carry a bittersweet weight, but by embracing these rituals, we can weave their memory into our celebrations. It’s about creating moments of love, connection, and remembrance, allowing our little ones to shine brightly in our hearts, even as we navigate the complexities of grief. In doing so, we can find a sense of peace and hope, celebrating the love that remains forever intertwined with our holiday traditions.
