Christmas is inevitably hard when you’ve lost someone you love, no matter whether it’s your first Christmas without them or your tenth. The festive season is typically filled with family and friends, so when someone important is missing, it can make you miss them more. And you know what, that’s okay. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, even when the rest of the world is eating turkey and singing Last Christmas.
But while Christmas might look and feel different, we promise there are ways you can still enjoy it, even if just for a brief moment. Choosing to honour someone you’ve lost at Christmas lets them feel a part of the celebrations without them actually being physically present. It’s often the smallest acts that keep their memory close, helping not only you but the rest of your friends and family also grieving. Here are five simple and meaningful ways to do just that.
1. Hang a Personalised Bauble on Your Tree
This is such a lovely way to honour someone you’ve lost during the holidays. Here at Inscripture, you can create a special bauble for your Christmas tree that features your loved one’s name, a short message or even their real handwriting. It’s a beautiful way to showcase a part of them centre stage throughout December, so you’re always reminded of their spirit and presence. We have several personalised memorial Christmas baubles to choose from, plus they make beautiful Christmas gifts for someone grieving.
2. Keep One of Their Traditions Alive
Did your loved one have a particular Christmas tradition they loved? Maybe they always insisted on making mulled wine, or they had a favourite Christmas film they watched on repeat. Whatever it was they loved doing during the festive season, consider keeping up one of their traditions so it feels like they’re right there with you. It doesn’t have to be a big thing; it’s the doing that matters. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to introduce their traditions to younger family members or friends who might not have known them as well.
3. Write Them a Christmas Card
I know, this one sounds a little different but stay with us. Writing a card to someone you’ve lost can be incredibly healing. Go out to the shops and find a card that feels well suited to them and then in your own space and time, sit down with a pen and write them a message. You could let them know what’s been going on in your life, tell them how much you miss them, or just simply let them know they’re still part of your Christmas. You don’t need to show it to anyone, it’s just for you and your lost loved one. We promise, small acts like this can be incredibly freeing and make you feel close to them.
4. Light a Candle in Their Memory
Lighting a candle is such a simple yet meaningful gesture. Whether it’s during Christmas dinner, while opening presents, or just as the evenings get quiet, it’s a way to create a moment of reflection. It’s one of the most peaceful and private ways to honour someone you’ve lost. No one else needs to know; just light a candle when you need a moment to stop and think about them. It’s a beautiful way to remind yourself, and others, that they’re still part of the holiday, even if it looks different now.
5. Wear a Piece of Memorial Jewellery
Finally, wearing a piece of memorial jewellery is a special and personal way to honour someone you’ve lost at Christmas. Whether you choose to wear a necklace engraved with their handwriting, a charm filled with their ashes or a bracelet featuring their photo or fingerprint, these precious memorial keepsakes can make them feel close, no matter where you are. At Inscripture, we offer a huge range of memorial jewellery to help you honour someone you’ve lost and keep them close during all your Christmas plans. And when you need reminding, you can simply look down at your memorial jewellery and be reminded that they’re right there with you.
It’s Okay if Christmas is Hard
Before we let you go, we just need you to know that it’s okay if Christmas feels hard this year. It just shows how much love you shared and how much impact they had on your life. That’s not a bad thing, it’s a beautiful thing.
This Christmas, be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to grieve during the holidays. You still deserve the time and space to recover. But equally, you deserve to try and enjoy small moments of joy. Your loved one would want you to enjoy the magic of Christmas, even if it might feel bittersweet. So, light that candle, hang that bauble, and honour someone you’ve lost in the ways that feel right to you.
