Remembering A Loved One At Thanksgiving

When we still mourn the loss of a beloved one as the Thanksgiving holiday season approaches, everything seems different, as if the world were turned upside down. We are frequently expected to continue living as if everything is normal, even though an important piece of our life is missing. At Willowbrook Cemetery, we have seen that sorrow is heavy and can become too much for families to carry alone when Thanksgiving and holidays like Christmas approach. 

How to Remember Your Loved One at Thanksgiving

No matter what you're feeling this Thanksgiving, it's essential to know that it is okay to feel grief. Grieving a recent death, or even one that happened a while back is entirely normal and acceptable.

1. Talk About Your Cherished One

It's natural for you to remember and honor a deceased loved one on Thanksgiving if they were close to you. After all, you're used to spending holidays together and all the memories will come flooding back during this time.

You can feel connected to your loved one's life and start getting used to the holiday season without them by allowing yourself and other family members to share stories and beautiful memories about them.

2. Start Writing a Journal

It can be heartbreaking and emotional to realize you won't be with your loved one to celebrate Thanksgiving when you wake up. Instead of keeping your thoughts and feelings to yourself, try writing them down in a diary or in a letter to a close friend or family member.

3. Share Memories Over Old Photos

The holidays are the ideal time to dig out old family photos, particularly those of a loved one who has passed away. Seek support from other family members in retrieving the old photo albums they have. Make an online photo album with your family and friends and ask them to send pictures of your loved ones so you can add them.

4. Continue With Your Thanksgiving Traditions

Even though it might be challenging to carry on with some traditions without your beloved one, see if there is one you can use going forward to honor them. This will assist you in figuring out how to carry on in your loved one's spirit.

Some traditions come to an end, and others start as families grow or shrink over the years. Beginning a new tradition to remember your loved one is an option if continuing the old ones has become too much of a burden.

For more information about ideas for remembering a loved one at Thanksgiving, call Willowbrook Cemetery can help you pick the ideal final resting place for the departed soul at our serene cemetery. Please contact us via the form or number on this page.