The holiday season can feel a bit easier to navigate when the family joins together to continue to remember loved ones. The shared time together can be both healing and meaningful.

Memory Ornaments

Each family member fills a clear glass ball with different colored ribbons; each representing a memory of their loved one. As you fill the ornament, talk and share the collective memories.

Memory Candles

Decorate hurricane vases or simple mason jars with markers made for glass, foam letters, stickers or other decorative items. Perhaps use colored tissue paper, photographs of your loved one or copies of a special newspaper article or award that was special to your person. Cover in Modge-Podge. Light a candle or use a battery-operated candle for younger kids, to light the memories of your person.

Table Talk

Many holiday memories are focused around the dinner table. These questions can be used as conversation starters to remember your loved one:

What is your favorite memory of your loved one?
What is a funny memory of them?
What was their favorite holiday food?
What special touch did they add to the holiday?
What could they do better than anyone else?
If you could say something to them, what would you say?
If they were here, what would be different?
What do you wish they knew about you today?
What will you always remember about them?
Who in the family has a similar personality to them?
What was the best time you ever had with them?
What was their favorite holiday or holiday tradition?
What special vacations do you remember about them?
What special story can you share about them?
What is your favorite part of the holiday season?
What will be the most difficult thing you will have to do during the holidays without your loved one?
What can you do to feel close to your loved one this holiday season?
Discuss a holiday tradition that you want your family to continue.

Memory Mash

Place a collection of photos of your loved one in a basket. Gather family members and take turns sharing photos and telling stories about your loved one. It can be fun to hear different people’s viewpoints of memories all within the same family.