A Moment to Remember: Honouring Loved Ones at Christmas
As the festive season sparkles with lights, decorations, and celebrations, there is often another rhythm beneath the surface - the rhythm of memory. For those who have experienced loss, Christmas or holiday season can be a time when grief and joy intertwine. A Moment to Remember is about creating space to honour loved ones while embracing the season’s spirit of connection.
Why Christmas Can Be a Tender Time for Grief
Memories surface unexpectedly: Hanging decorations or hearing a familiar song can bring loved ones vividly to mind.
Joy and sorrow coexist: We smile at the quirks and laughter we remember, even as we feel their absence.
Rituals bring comfort: Lighting candles, baking favourite recipes, or wearing a gifted scarf can become acts of remembrance.
Creating Space for Loved Ones in the Festive Season
A Moment to Remember reminds us that grief is not weakness - it is love, echoing through memory.
Simple rituals can help you carry love forward:
Light a candle in their honour.
Bake their favourite pudding and share it with family.
Play a song that reminds you of them.
Write a message and hang it on the tree, or write it in a journal.
Wear the scarf they bought you, even if it’s itchy and wildly colourful.
These small acts become ceremonies in themselves, grounding us in connection and memory.
The Role of Poetry and Music
Words and music often reach places that silence cannot. Poems like “If You’re Wondering Where to Find Me” by Catherine Prutton and “A Moment to Remember” by Sylvia Jordan give voice to feelings that are hard to express.
Music, too, plays a vital role in remembrance. Songs have the power to unlock emotions and create shared moments of reflection. Pieces such as Maroon 5’s Memories or Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s iconic rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow offer gentle comfort. The latter, with its soothing ukulele and heartfelt vocals, has become a timeless anthem of hope and remembrance, reminding us that love and memory continue to surround us even after loss.
Whether through a favourite song or a cherished poem, these creative expressions remind us that love continues, even beyond absence.
Final Reflection
Christmas is not only about gifts and gatherings - it is also about remembering. By creating space for loved ones in our celebrations, we honour their legacy and carry their love forward.
As a celebrant, I believe moments like these are just as important as weddings or milestones. Quiet rituals, shared stories, and heartfelt gatherings help us feel connected, grounded, and whole.
Sending you lots of love and the biggest hug - Sarah.