First Christmas without a loved one
The first Christmas without them is never easy. There’s no right way to do it, only your way.
Gentle ideas for the day, and keepsakes that carry their handwriting, fingerprint, photo or ashes, so they’re still part of Christmas.
Order by 18 December for UK Christmas delivery, or by 10 December for ashes jewellery.
You’re not alone
Getting through your first Christmas without them
Grief at Christmas can bring up feelings you weren’t expecting, especially in the first year, and that’s completely normal. So many of us find ourselves missing loved ones at Christmas, even when we’re surrounded by people. Go gently, take each day as it comes, and know that whatever you’re feeling is okay.
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On the day
- It’s okay to keep things simple, or to change traditions this year
- Let the people around you know what you need, even if that’s time on your own
- Step outside for some fresh air if things start to feel like too much
- If you’d like to talk to someone, Cruse Bereavement Support is there for you
Keeping them close
- Light a candle for them, or keep a place set at the table
- Cook their favourite dish, or play the songs they loved
- Share a favourite memory of them with the people around you
- Write them a note and hang it on the tree
Your first Christmas without mum
If mum was the heart of your Christmas, this year may feel especially quiet. It’s okay to miss her in the little things, from the way she wrapped presents to the food she always made.
Your first Christmas without dad
Dad’s absence can be felt in the smallest moments, from his favourite chair to the jokes he told every year. Talking about him and saying his name can be a comfort for everyone.
Your first Christmas without nan or grandad
Grandparents often hold the family’s Christmas traditions together, from the stories they told to the way they did things every year. Keeping a few of those traditions going is a lovely way to honour them.
Supporting someone else
If someone you love is facing their first Christmas without a loved one, simply saying their name and asking how they’re doing can mean more than you know.
Keep them close
Their handwriting, their fingerprint, or the robin many believe appears when loved ones are near.
★★★★★
“My Mum’s present was perfect when she opened it on Christmas Day. The inscription on Mums heart is perfect and in my Dads handwriting, it’s priceless and means so much.”
Melanie W. · Trustpilot review
The keepsakes
Gifts to remember them this Christmas
Pieces that carry something of them, to wear, keep or hang on the tree.
Handwriting Fingerprint Robins Ashes Self-fill ashes Photo For the tree
Their handwriting
Engraved with their real handwriting, from a card, letter or note.
Their fingerprint
Their own fingerprint, engraved onto a piece you can wear every day.
Robins
For the saying that robins appear when loved ones are near.
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trendingRobin Stud Earrings
£40.00 Select options -
Silver Popcorn Robin Memorial Bracelet
£119.00 Select options -
Silver Robin Dangle Charm
£55.00 Select options -
almost goneSterling Silver Robin Necklace
£50.00 Select options -
Two Tone Robin Slider Memorial Bracelet
£79.00 Select options -
Robin Memorial Ashes Necklace
£185.00 Select options
Their ashes, set into jewellery
Send us a little of their ashes and our team will set them into your piece, with all unused ashes returned to you.
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Crystal Teardrop Ashes Necklace
£230.00 Select options -
Robin Memorial Ashes Necklace
£185.00 Select options -

Teardrop Ashes Necklace
£200.00 Select options -
Luma Ashes Necklace
£175.00 Select options -
Cross Ashes Necklace
£215.00 Select options -
Pure Ashes Necklace
£220.00 Select options -
Crystal Teardrop Ashes Ring
£210.00 Select options -
Classic Ashes Bracelet
£159.00 Select options -
Keeva Ashes Ring
£225.00 Select options
Self-fill ashes jewellery
Pieces with a small chamber you fill yourself at home, so their ashes never have to leave you.
Their photo
A favourite photo of them, engraved onto a piece you can keep close.
For the tree
A way to keep them part of Christmas every year.
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Memorial & Ashes Jewellery Specialist 2026, UK
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Good to know
First Christmas without a loved one: your questions
How can I cope with the first Christmas without a loved one?
Keep plans simple, let people know what you need and plan a small moment to remember them. There’s no right way to grieve, and it’s fine to do things differently this year.
Why does grief feel harder at Christmas?
Christmas is so full of traditions and time with family that missing someone at Christmas can feel sharper than at other times of year. Feeling sad, numb, or even guilty for enjoying parts of the day are all normal parts of grief at Christmas.
What can I give someone facing their first Christmas without their mum or dad?
A keepsake that carries something of them, like their handwriting or fingerprint, is often the most meaningful. A memorial Christmas decoration is another gentle way to keep them part of the day.
What if I don’t have their handwriting or fingerprint?
Handwriting can often be found in old cards, letters, notes or recipes. If you don’t have a fingerprint, your funeral director may be able to take one, or you could choose a piece engraved with their name or a photo instead.
When is the last day to order for Christmas?
Order by 18 December for UK Christmas delivery. Ashes jewellery needs to be ordered by 10 December, so we have time to receive the ashes and make your piece.
Can I send the gift straight to them?
Yes. Add their address at checkout and include a gift message. You can also add our luxury gift packing for £3.95.
This Christmas
Keep them close this Christmas
Free UK delivery on orders over £49.











