Finding Peace By Honoring a Loved One

For those of us facing the holidays without someone we love, this season can bring a deep sense of sadness and longing. Whether it’s the empty seat at the Thanksgiving table or the absence of their familiar smile on Christmas morning, these moments can feel especially heavy. While it’s natural to want to avoid the pain, creating space to honor your loved one can offer a surprising sense of comfort and peace. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just meaningful to you.

One simple way to honor someone who has passed is to set a place for them at the holiday table. It’s a quiet, powerful way to acknowledge both the grief and the love that remains. Others might choose to create a small memory corner or an altar with photos, candles, or items that remind them of their loved one. Think of it as a space to reflect, remember, and feel connected. You might even start a tradition, like planting a garden or decorating a special spot in your home that changes with the seasons or holidays. These rituals can become grounding—something that evolves with you while still keeping the memory of your loved one close. A beautiful example of honoring those who have passed is found in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday where families build vibrant altars, or ofrendas, filled with offerings, photos, and favorite foods to celebrate the lives of those who’ve died. While this tradition has deep cultural roots and meaning, it can inspire us to create our own unique ways of remembering and celebrating the people we’ve lost.

Grief doesn’t take a break during the holidays—but finding intentional ways to honor those we miss can help soften the ache and bring a quiet sense of peace amidst the season.

-Haley Maennche, ACSW #133102