10 Christmas Memorial Ideas
Christmas is a time for celebration and remembrance. For many people, it's also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. If you're looking for ideas on how to commemorate your loved one during Christmas, you're in the right place. In this article, we will offer 10 unique memorial ideas for Christmas.
1. Create a memorial wreath
A wreath is a beautiful way to remember your loved one at Christmas. You can create a wreath yourself or purchase one pre-made. You can also have the wreath personalised with your loved one's name, dates, or a special message. You could also use mini clothes pegs to add small photos to the wreath to make it even more special.
Wreaths are common in homes around the Christmas period, so you could hang yours on your front door to welcome visitors or in the dining room to be present while you have your family Christmas dinner. At the end of Christmas, the wreath can be carefully packed away safely and brought out every year.
2. Make a memorial tree
This is a lovely idea if you have young children. You can buy a small Christmas tree or make one from paper, card, or fabric. Decorate it with special ornaments that remind you of your loved one. These could include homemade ornaments, photos and keepsakes.
A memorial tree doesn't have to be a permanent fixture every year, but it can be a reassuring presence during your first Christmas without your loved one. It can also be incredibly therapeutic to make the memorial tree as crafts will help you to process your feelings.
3. Send a memorial card
One way to keep your loved one close to you at Christmas is by sending out memorial cards. These can be bought pre-printed with a photo and message, or you could make your own. If you're crafty, you could even design and print your own cards.
You could send the cards to friends and family so they can also take part in memorialising your loved one. This will help to keep the person in everyone's memories during this difficult time.
4. Hang a memorial stocking
Another way to keep your loved one close at Christmas is by having a special stocking just for them. This can be hung on the fireplace or wherever you normally hang your Christmas stockings.
You could fill the stocking with special mementoes, such as photos, jewellery, and keepsakes. Or you could fill it with small gifts for everyone. This is an ideal memorial gift if you have children at home, as they will be able to get excited about opening the stocking and this can help to counter some of their sadness around the event.
5. Make a memorial ornament
Memorial ornaments are glass ornaments that contain pieces of their cremation ashes. You can also have them customised with your loved one's name, dates, or a special message.
These ornaments are a beautiful way to keep your loved one close at Christmas. They can be hung on the Christmas tree or in a special place in your home. Some people choose to keep these ornaments up all year round, or you can pack them away with the Christmas decorations.
6. Save a place at the table
It's common to leave a space at the dinner table for those who have left us throughout the year. You could mark the space with a single candle, a photograph, or another memento that is meaningful to everyone at the table.
This is a lovely tradition that can help you to feel close to your loved one at Christmas. It's also a reminder to everyone present that they are in our thoughts, even though they're not with us anymore.
7. Have a memorial service
If you're looking for a more formal way to remember your loved one, you could have a memorial service during the festive period. This could be held at a church, graveside, or in your own home.
A memorial service is an opportunity to come together and remember the person you have lost. It can be a very cathartic experience and can help to heal some of the pain you are feeling.
8. Make a charitable donation
One way to honour your loved one is to make a donation in their name. Christmas is a traditionally charitable time of year, so you can start a tradition of giving money or raising money for a cause that was important to your loved one. This is a great way to keep your loved one's memory alive while also helping to make the world a better place. It's a win-win!
9. Cook their favourite food
Another way to remember your loved one is by cooking their favourite food. This could be a dish that they used to make or something that they always requested around Christmas. Food has a way of taking us back and helping us to remember fond memories, so it's an ideal way to take a trip down memory lane.
Since Christmas is typically a time for indulgence and enjoying lots of different foods, it can be the perfect way to honour your loved one in a very discreet yet meaningful way.
10. Get a memorial tattoo
If you're looking for a more permanent way to remember your loved one, you could get a memorial tattoo. This could be something small and discreet, or something larger and more elaborate. It's entirely up to you.
A memorial tattoo is a great way to keep your loved one close to you always. It's also a way to show the world that you will never forget them.
These are just a few ideas to help you remember your loved one at Christmas time. There is no right or wrong way to do it, so do whatever feels right for you and your family. Take the time to think about what your loved one would have wanted, and then create a new annual tradition that will help you to honour these cherished memories.