5 Ways to Remember Your Loved Ones at Christmas

If you’re searching for simple, meaningful ways to remember your loved ones at Christmas, this guide offers five biblically grounded, practical ideas to help you honor their memory with hope instead of heaviness. You’ll find gentle encouragement, creative remembrance ideas, and answers to common questions like how to honor a loved one who has passed away at Christmas and how families keep memories alive during the holidays.

Ideas to remember loved ones at Christmas

Do you view Christmas as a season of happiness and joy… or one of grief and sorrow? As we approach Christmas, the grief of missing loved ones can feel heavier. I lost my mom unexpectedly 22 years ago, and I’ve felt the roller coaster of emotions that sweep in this time of year.

With grief, there is a line I try to walk – a line that includes remembrance that leads to God’s peace and joy.

If I cross that line and lean on my own strength, I find myself in sadness and despair. But when I surrender that heartache to Him, I experience His peace that really does pass understanding (Philippians 4:7, ESV).

My hope is that we can walk this line together and find comfort in Christ as we remember our loved ones at Christmas.

1. Start With God’s Word and Prayer

Stick with me while we lay a quick foundation. Number 1 has to be God’s word and prayer. Remembering our loved ones who have passed begins with giving our hurts to the Lord.

There is no substitution when dealing with issues of the heart.

He is the only one who can truly change our thinking, lift up our hearts, and comfort us in our pain. This transformation happens more easily when I’m spending time reading the Bible and talking to Him in prayer.

Please don’t be intimidated into thinking it has to be a long, complicated process. Don’t skip this because you fear you might not do something right.

Even reading and praying through a verse each day can help in a big way. I’ve created 20 Free scripture cards to help get our focus back on Christ this Christmas. Click here to join our community and download the bible verses cards for free.

There’s no substitute for what He can do in the heart.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)

When I spend time in God’s Word and bring my emotions to Him in prayer, my thinking shifts. My heart softens. My grief becomes less of a weight and more of a place where He meets me.

2. Create Something Meaningful

One of the simplest ways to honor a loved one at Christmas is to create something that helps keep their memory alive.

You don’t need to be crafty to do this!

Here are a few easy ideas to remember loved ones at Christmas:

• Make a memory ornament

• Create a scrapbook or small memory book

• Put together a memory wreath with items that remind you of days passed

• Start a family “memory chain” where each strip includes a favorite story

• Write a letter to your loved one and tuck it into the tree

• Or get the kids involved and make a memory chain. Start with the makings of a basic paper chain garland and before you put together, write a memory of your loved one on some, or all of the strips!

Creating gives your heart a gentle place to process while honoring the person you miss.

3. Talk About Your Loved Ones

One of my favorite ways to remember my mom is simply to talk about her. I love to rekindle the feelings and thoughts of my Mom by sharing memories. Because she never met her grandchildren, this has become one of my favorite things to do with our kids. Talk about their likes and dislikes. Share stories. Talking about your loved one helps your family understand parts of your story –  and it keeps their memory alive in the sweetest way. If talking feels too hard, start by writing memories in a journal or a “memory jar.” Simple, slow steps still count.

4. Share Photos (and Use Them Meaningfully)

Many families choose to display certain photos of their loved ones only during Christmas. Others weave them into everyday life. Photos remind us of the gift God gave us through their life and the blessing it was to know and love them.

A few meaningful ways to use photos at Christmastime:

• Display a framed picture near your nativity or tree

• Give photo gifts (calendars, mugs, ornaments, pillows)

• Create a small memory table

• Make a “gratitude for their life” photo book

• Share a photo each day of December with a memory attached

Photos help us hold both gratitude and grief together –  and that’s a tender, holy thing. Photos can help remind us to be thankful for time spent with the ones we so dearly miss.

Start New-Old Traditions in Their Honor

One of the most comforting ways families honor their loved ones is by continuing a tradition they loved — or beginning a new one that reflects their life.

Some ideas:

• Make a recipe they always cooked

• Listen to their favorite Christmas songs

• Gift someone an item they loved to give

• Watch their favorite Christmas movie

• Go look at Christmas lights if that’s something they enjoyed

• Volunteer in their honor

My mom loved taking the long way home just to look at Christmas lights. Now our family does the same each year – and it brings this warm sense of connection.

Traditions help anchor your heart during a season that might otherwise feel tender or overwhelming.

Friend, these five ideas are only a starting point. There are so many ways we can remember our loved ones at Christmas and still walk forward in God’s peace.

If you’re hurting this year, take even one small step toward Him. Even if all you can say is: “Lord, please hold my heart.” He will.

I pray, friend, that you’re able to trust your heart this Christmas to the Lord who cares for you!  Before you go, can I pray for you? Please send an email or contact me on social media- I would be honored to pray.

Here are the main ways to remember your loved ones at Christmas:

• Spend time in God’s Word and prayer

• Create something meaningful in their honor

• Share stories and memories with your family

• Use photos in comforting, intentional ways

• Continue or begin traditions that reflect their life

Related Christmas Posts You May Enjoy

• • A Letter to the Mom Who Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts

  • How to Have a Christ-Centered Christmas

  • Can’t Afford Christmas Gifts? Here’s How To Create Gifts for Under $10 Right Now

  • Christmas Printable Planner Kit for the Overwhelmed Mom

  • 20 Wonderful Gifts for the Creative Child: A Gift Guide

Grab your FREE Scripture cards (and lots of goodies in our FREEBIES Hub and join our community!

get your $5 Christmas Printable 5 Packs in Our Shop!

* Some of our posts may include affiliate links. This means if you choose to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission. We greatly appreciate your support of our business in this way. Thank you!*