There are no words big enough to describe what it feels like to lose a child. When you lose a child, it’s not just a loss of their physical being. It’s a loss of the hopes and dreams you had; of birthdays and of milestones with each passing year. The holidays can be an especially challenging time for families who have experienced this type of devastating loss, but some find solace in including their legacies in holiday traditions.
If you’re struggling to find ways to remember your little one during the holidays, we've rounded up a few ideas to help you create traditions that will honor their memory.
#1 Put up a Stocking in Their Honor
One way to keep your little one’s memory alive during the holidays is to put up a stocking in their honor. This can be hung alongside the rest of the family’s stockings or in a special place on its own. You can even involve other family members by having them help you stuff the stocking with small gifts, mementos, or handwritten notes.
If you don’t have a stocking for your little one, you can easily make one using fabric or felt. Decorate it with their favorite colors, characters, or images that represent them in some way. This is a tradition that the whole family can take part in and will help to keep your little one’s memory alive.
#2 Make An Ornament in Their Memory
Another way to remember your child during the holidays is by making ornaments in their memory. This can be a fun activity for the whole family to do together and is a great way to keep your little one’s memory alive. You can make ornaments out of clay, salt dough, paper, or even use their baby clothes to create a special keepsake.
If you’re not crafty, you can also purchase ornaments that have been designed in memory of a child. There are many different styles available, so you’re sure to find one that is perfect for your family. These ornaments can be hung on the tree year after year and will serve as a reminder of your little one during the holiday season.
#3 Light a Candle in Their Memory
One simple, but beautiful way to remember your child during the holidays is by lighting a candle in their memory. You can use a regular candle or purchase one that is specifically designed for this purpose. There are tons of options available.
This can be done as part of your holiday decoration or as a separate tradition altogether. You can even involve other family members by having them help you light the candle. This is a tradition that can be done year after year and is a beautiful way to commemorate the life of your little one.
#4 Include Them in Family Photos or Your Holiday Card
Another way to remember your child during the holidays is by including them in family photos. This can be done in a number of different ways. You can include a photo of your child with the rest of the family, create a special collage, or even use a stuffed animal or another representational item in their place.
If you’re sending out holiday cards, you can also include a photo of your child or a special message in their memory. This is a great way to include them in the holiday festivities even though they’re not physically present.
#5 Write Them a Letter (or Write a Letter to Santa)
One of the most special ways to remember your child during the holidays is by writing them a letter. This can be a letter expressing your love for them, thanking them for the time you had together, or even just sharing some of your favorite memories. Involve your whole family (especially siblings) in this activity by having them write letters as well.
You can also choose to write a letter to Santa in your child’s memory. This is a great way to involve your other children in the holiday festivities while creating an opportunity to remember the special moments you shared with your little one.
#6 Donate to a Charity in Their Memory
One final way to remember your child during the holidays is by donating to a charity in their memory. This is a great way to honor their memory while also helping others. Plus, with tons of amazing charities out there, you can find one with a cause that’s especially important to you.
There are many different ways to remember your child during the holidays. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is something that is special to you and your family. This is a time of year that can be difficult, but by creating new traditions in memory of your child, you can make it a time that is filled with love and happiness.