After the death of a loved one, holidays can feel daunting and hard to navigate. Creating a new normal on these days is not an easy task, and the person’s absence can feel extra heavy on those days. Valentine’s Day in particular is a day about love and appreciating the important people in your life, whether that’s your partner, child, family member, friend, or anyone else who brings joy to your life. In honor of the loved ones you’ve lost, you can make new traditions and memorialize them in ways that feel right to you and your family.
Here are some examples of ways you can do that this Valentine’s Day.
- Doing their favorite things
Whether it’s going to their favorite restaurant, watching their favorite movie, or cooking their favorite meal at home, doing something that reminds you of the person and brings their spirit into the activity can be a great way to feel close to them.
- Creating a memorial craft
For families with younger children, doing a craft as a family can be a great way to form new memories as a family while still honoring the person you’ve lost. Making a memory box, creating drawings for the person, or making a memory collage are just a few examples. More ideas here!
- Volunteer
Sometimes a distraction is the best way to get through the day, so why not spend the day spreading joy and helping those in your community who need it most! With your family or by yourself, giving your time to others in honor of your loved one is a great way to spend the day.
- Create an open dialogue
Talking to your family about how you’re feeling about the holiday and checking in on how they feel can help everyone feel less alone during the hard days. If you are more of a private griever, starting a journal or scrapbook to turn to when you’re having harder days can also be a helpful tool.
- Have a day of rest
Sometimes one of the best things you can do for yourself and for the person you lost is to give yourself a day off. Giving yourself the space and time to relax and have a day or even half day of self-care can help give you time to remember your person as well as take care of yourself.