Since my parents passed away over 20 years ago, every year that goes by, the list of relatives no longer with us grows longer. When we get together as a family, for the holidays, we first observe a minute of silence, and then we have the children (or the youngest members) from every family light a candle in their honour. Afterwards we share memories of them with all around the table. This also allows the young ones to know a bit more of some close relatives they never had a chance to meet or that they can’t remember because of their young age.
It is always hardest when someone passed away close to the holidays, but somehow, sharing this kind of ritual, makes us all feel closer to one another and, at the same time, closer to our departed loved ones.
By being so close, we also feel that we truly honour their legacy and the importance of strong family bonds they always cherished.
My warmest wish to all that are going through the holidays for the first time after a loss is to find your own meaningful way to celebrate the life of your loved one, which will bring back peace and comfort to your heart and smiles to your face.