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10 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | December 2016 | Question: How can I remember my loved one during the holidays? There's no way around it, after someone important dies the holidays are often never the same again. Traditions, events, parties, songs, movies – the grief triggers are everywhere. Here are 11 ways to remember loved ones during the holidays: 1. Photos: Display old photo albums in a location accessible to holiday visitors. Before you know it you'll be reminiscing and telling stories with family and friends. 2. Get out the old home videos. Yes you may get emotional, but it also might be comforting to see your loved one up on the TV screen. Again, it's a great opportunity for storytelling and reminiscing. 3. After a loss it can be hard to part with your loved ones' belongings. The holidays present the perfect opportunity to give away some of these things, especially if you are someone who always wants to make sure that old treasures go to good homes. Wrap up a few of your loved ones' old things and give them to family and friends who will appreciate them. 4. Create a special place for people to write down memories. Put out a marker and paper or plain wooden ornaments. Friends and family can hang the ornaments or leave the memories in an old stocking or empty gift box. 5. Donate to a cause in your loved ones' name. Try and choose a charity your loved one would have supported. 6. When you see a gift your loved one would have liked, go ahead and buy it. Donate it to a charity or give it to someone as gift. 7. It may be too difficult to send out the annual family holiday cards. Don't feel guilty. Instead take an hour to write a few cards for the military and send them through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes project. 8. Light a candle in honor of your loved one. Leave it burning during days when you think you'll miss them the most. 9. Buy or make a memorial ornament. 10. Send a holiday card to someone from your loved ones' past who they may have lost touch with. 11. Take care of yourself. Attend a workshop or support group for people dealing with a loss during the holidays. Remember that your loved one would have wanted you to have the support you need. For any questions or a needs assessment visit please contact Jennifer Trebler at (951) 663-1060. Ask a Question How can I remember my loved one during the holidays?

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