Remembering A Loved One At Thanksgiving

By: Danny Amoruccio
Monday, November 14, 2022

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.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Mausoleum vs. Grave: Which Option Is More Affordable?

Choosing a final resting place for a loved one is an emotional and significant decision, one that comes with both personal and financial implications. Families face a variety of options, and a comm...

Family Mausoleums: Creating a Legacy for Future Generations

Family mausoleums represent more than just a resting place; they are a lasting legacy that honors the bonds of family across generations. As society evolves, so do our traditions around memorializa...

Should a Husband and Wife Be Buried in the Same Cemetery?

When planning for end-of-life arrangements, many couples face a deeply personal decision: should a husband and wife be buried in the same cemetery? This choice is often influenced by numerous facto...

What Questions To Ask When Buying A Cemetery Plot?

Purchasing a cemetery plot is a significant and often emotional decision that requires careful consideration. Whether you're planning ahead or dealing with the loss of a loved one, understanding th...

Choosing Burial Without Embalming: What You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

When planning a funeral or making end-of-life decisions, one of the key choices is whether or not to embalm the body before burial. Embalming is often viewed as a standard procedure in the funeral ...

How Long Can a Body Sit Without Being Embalmed? Exploring Decomposition Timelines and Funeral Options

When faced with the passing of a loved one, questions about what happens next often arise. One of the most common inquiries revolves around how best to handle the deceased's remains. This considera...

What Happens if a Body is Not Embalmed?

Embalming is a practice deeply rooted in the funeral industry, often seen as a standard procedure for preparing a body for viewing or burial. However, it raises questions and concerns for many peop...

5 Things to Do with Your Loved One's Ashes

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and finding meaningful ways to honor their memory can provide comfort and a sense of closure. For those who have chosen cremation, there ...

Tips for Explaining the Concept of Death to Children

Talking to children about death can be one of the most challenging conversations a parent or guardian can face. It's a sensitive subject that requires careful thought and consideration, but it's al...

Is It Important to Have a Public Viewing?

When faced with the loss of a loved one, the decisions around funeral arrangements can be overwhelming. Among these decisions is whether to hold a public viewing. This practice, where the body of t...