Remembering someone this December

The holiday season can be a bittersweet time, as it brings joy and celebration but may also evoke feelings of sadness when remembering someone close to you who has passed away. While the absence of a cherished family member or friend can be deeply felt, there are meaningful ways to honour and remember them during the festive season. With both Christmas and Hanukkah taking place this month, this article looks at some events you can attend in the local community or activities you can do to keep their memory alive.

Grief Awareness Week

National Grief Awareness week takes place from 2-8 December 2023 and is about connecting with the community and raising awareness of any support available to those that have been bereaved.

On Wednesday 6 December 2023, why not join us at Botanical Lounge in Colwyn Bay for our monthly bereavement coffee morning from 10am until noon.

For more information about the Good Grief Trust you can visit here.

Christmas Tree Festival (4-9 and 11-16 December 2023)

Every year, St David’s Hospice hold a Christmas Tree Festival in both Conwy and Llandudno. Trees, decorated and themed by local businesses and schools across the community, are on display with a carol service held at each venue.

For the third year, Tom Owen and Son will have their In Memory Tree on display in the Llandudno Festival. We encourage you to come along and personalise a decoration in memory of the person who has died to place on the tree. This is a beautiful way to include them in your celebrations and keep their memory alive.

For more information and locations of the festivals please visit here.

Christmas Tree Festival at St John's Methodist

Tree of Lights (26 November, 10 and 15 December 2023)

The Tree of Lights is a special occasion for many families across the community to help remember those who are no longer with us. You can choose to dedicate a light on a tree, in conjunction with St David’s Hospice, regardless of whether you have received hospice care.

This year, there are three switching on locations to choose from:

Rhos on Sea (26 November)
Llandudno (10 December)
Llangefni (15 December)

For more information on the switching on ceremonies or to dedicate a light please visit here.

Samantha Amis, Relationship Fundraiser at St David’s Hospice says “We are delighted to be working with the team from Tom Owen & Son on a number of our upcoming events this December. We know the festive season can be a tough time for many, especially those who have lost a loved one and we hope that these events can provide the community the opportunity to remember someone special & celebrate their life.

We are truly grateful for the continued support and generosity shown to us by the community, the support enables us to continue to provide patient care and family support services free of charge to those living with a life-limiting illness.”

Lighting a candle

In both Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, lighting candles holds a significant place. By choosing to light an additional or unique candle in memory of the person who has died, you can reflect on their impact on your life as you do so.

Prepare their favourite dish!

Cooking a favourite dish of the person that has died, is a heart warming way to remember them. It helps keep their spirit alive, especially if you share stories and memories of them as you enjoy the meal together.

Visiting their resting place

By taking time, during the festive period, to visit their resting place it can help to reconnect with them. To visit their graveside or place that you feel connected to the person that has died, by taking flowers or a small decoration, you can sit in reflection and express love and gratitude for them.