New Year, New Traditions: How to Honor Loved Ones All Year Long

Honoring your loved one after they pass doesn’t have to be limited to holidays or their birthdays. Keeping their memory alive is something that you can do all year long. Staying connected can help to process grief in a positive way. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Plant a Memorial Garden

Whether you dedicate a small area inside your home or apartment or a larger section in the yard, a memorial garden is a wonderful way to remember someone you’ve lost. While you’re pruning or watering the garden, use that time to reflect on your loved one. You can include children in the gardening tasks as well.

Be Crafty

Crafts do not have to be tied to a special occasion. When you have time, or when you miss your loved one, do something. You can paint a photo, sketch a picture, create a memory book, or sculpt something. If you have children, talk to them about their feelings and encourage them to make a finger painting for the person they are missing.

Choose a Day for Honor

Dedicate a particular day each month to honoring your loved one. On that day, listen to their favorite music, watch a movie they loved, write them a letter, or just write about them. This doesn’t have to be limited to one day, but you can start a routine each month and build from there.

Light a Candle

Honoring your loved one does not need to be complicated. A simple loving gesture, such as lighting a candle each day, can be a sweet regular tribute.

Make Their Favorite Meals

Did your loved one have a favorite recipe they asked for regularly? Was your lasagna or carrot cake the must-have item? Enjoy any of these delicious items on their behalf. The simple of making a meal is a great way to show your gratitude or evoke fun memories.

Give Back

Volunteer for a cause that was important to your loved one. Did they participate in a marathon to benefit the local community? Did they help raise money for a cancer research group? Continue their passion in their name. Remember, if it’s not something you can physically do – for example, you cannot run a marathon – do not feel obligated. Instead, choose something that is within your comfort zone.

Take a Trip

Did you and your loved one take a regular trip to the beach, go on a camping trip, or escape everyday life at another favorite destination? If you can, revisit, share memories, and continue to enjoy the location. Traditions do not have to stop after your loved one is gone. It might be difficult without them, but it’s okay to continue your vacation traditions.

Create a Memory Jar

Create a shared space, or make a box or jar to deposit memories or feelings of gratitude that pop up during the day. Write them on strips of paper and read them when you want to look back. If you have children, they can add to it whenever they are dealing with their grief.

Start a Legacy Project

These take time, but they will keep your loved one’s memory alive for years. Consider creating a scholarship in their name at their alma mater or at a local high school. If you are up to the task, write their life story and send it to family members who might be interested.

Whatever you choose, feel free to change it when you want. There are no rules when it comes to honoring your loved one year-round.