7 Ways To Honor Your Loved One With A Thanksgiving Memorial
While Thanksgiving for most people is a time to gather with family and friends, be thankful, and share a delicious meal, for others, it’s an occasion to remember a loved one who has passed. Whether the loss was recent or many years ago, the absence of a loved one weighs heavier during the holidays as you look back on fond memories and past traditions.
Just because your loved one has passed doesn’t mean they can’t still be a part of the holiday. Honoring your loved one by creating new traditions with family and friends can offer you a sense of peace, knowing their memory will live on for many years to come.
Ways To Celebrate Your Loved One With A Thanksgiving Memorial
Are you looking for a new way to celebrate your loved one this season? Hold a Thanksgiving Memorial inspired by these ideas from Maine Cremation Care in Gorham, Maine.
Use Photos Of Your Loved One As Part Of The Table Setting
A beautiful table setting is a perfect touch to a Thanksgiving meal. Make it even more special by using different photos of your loved one at each table setting. Even better if you can find pictures of your loved one with each family member and place them in their seat! This gesture will undoubtedly spark fond memories and ensure that your family member who passed is part of the conversation. You can even use mini picture frames and let your guests take the pictures home as a keepsake.
Cook Your Loved One’s Favorite Recipe
Another great way to include your loved one in the Thanksgiving festivities is by cooking their favorite Thanksgiving meal or the special side dish that they usually made. The smell and taste of your grandmother’s famous rolls can be a comforting reminder that she is still part of the day. You can even create festive recipe cards of your loved one’s favorite recipe to send home with friends and family.
Set Up A Memorial Table
Ask each guest to bring a favorite picture, special memento, or another cherished item that reminds them of the deceased, and set the items up on a table in your home. Holding a dedicated spot to visit throughout the day will symbolize your loved one and remind everyone of their presence. You can even light a candle in their memory and keep it on the table for the day. Add a custom memory table sign as a thoughtful touch.
Share Your Favorite Stories
After dinner, have family and friends gather together in the living room and share their favorite memory of your loved one who has passed on. This could be a funny story or a sweet recollection of the past. Reminiscing and telling stories will bring everyone together and add warmth to the occasion. This could be the start of a new tradition that will carry on for years to come! Serve up some pie and mulled apple cider to sweeten the moment even more.
Watch Your Loved One’s Favorite Movie
If watching movies is one of your family traditions, make a new tradition by watching your loved one’s favorite movie in honor of their memory. If your friends and family usually watch football or the Thanksgiving Day Parade, instead, pull out some old home movies together. If you don’t have home videos, gather your favorite digital pictures and create a thoughtful slideshow to share with your guests.
Donate To Charity In Your Loved One’s Name
What better way to show your gratitude and appreciation on thanksgiving than giving to others in need? There are countless organizations that will benefit from your donation in your loved one’s name, whether it’s a cause that was meaningful to them or an organization that supports grieving families.
Instead of donating money, you could gather your loved ones and begin a new tradition of volunteering at your local soup kitchen on Thanksgiving day.
Go For A Walk In The Woods
Thanksgiving is the perfect day to enjoy the crisp weather and fall foliage. Bring your friends and family outside to unplug, walk off the turkey, and enjoy nature. Dedicate your Thanksgiving walk to your family member who has passed away. You can walk in silence as you think about what this loved one meant to you or laugh and have fun. It doesn’t need to be a sad occasion! For an extra piece, have each person find something that reminds them of their loved one during your nature walk.
Do you want to want honor and celebrate the life of your loved one after passing this Thanksgiving? Let Maine Cremation Care in Gorham, Maine help you give them the farewell that they deserve. Reach out to us today with any questions about Thanksgiving memorials or our other services, and book our cremation services at cost-competitive pricing.
