As February begins (already??), the freshness of the new year begins to blend into the familiarity of our daily lives, making the 2023 holiday season feel like a distant memory. With Super Bowl excitement in the air and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our thoughts naturally drift towards love, hearts, and chocolates. The Super Bowl even has an element of love this year! (Looking at you, Taylor Swift) But beyond these celebratory moments, February also offers us an opportunity to reflect on the deeper aspects of love – the kind of love we hold onto for those who have passed away.
As I navigate through this month focused on love, I am reminded of the love I have for those who have passed away: my daughter, my dad, my grandparents, and several close friends. Valentine’s Day, while mainly a celebration of romantic love, is also a time for me to honor the love I have for these departed loved ones. It’s a time that reminds me that the love we celebrate for Valentine’s Day never fades.
Below are 5 possible ways you can honor and remember the special loved ones in your life who are no longer with you. Doing these suggestions together with family or friends can be a way to express your love to those who are still with you as well as those who are deceased.
5 Heartfelt Ways to Honor Loved Ones in February
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Create a Memory Jar: Start a memory jar filled with notes of your favorite memories, stories, or things you wish you could say to your loved ones who have passed away. Whenever you miss them, write a new note to add, or take one out to reminisce and connect with their memory.
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Dedicate a Day of Love: Choose a day in February to celebrate the lives of your departed loved ones. You could make their favorite meal, play their favorite music, or watch their favorite movie. It’s a way of dedicating a part of Valentine’s month to them, celebrating the love you continue to share.
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Write a Love Letter: Write a letter to your loved one expressing all the things you wish you could tell them now. This can be a cathartic way to articulate your feelings, share updates about your life, or simply tell them how much you love and miss them. Over time, this can serve as an intimate, personal journal of your life’s happenings.
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Host a Candlelight Remembrance: Organize a small candlelight remembrance or similar gathering with family or friends who also knew and loved the person you’re honoring. Share stories, look at old photos, and celebrate the impact they had on your lives.
- Visit Their Resting Place: If possible, visit their grave or a place significant to them or your relationship with them. Bring something they loved to connect with their spirit. If you can’t visit in person, dedicate some quiet time to focus on your memories of them, and consider getting a Memorial Mini to help bridge the physical distance between you and your loved one’s final resting place.
This February, let’s embrace the full spectrum of love. From the excitement of watching the Super Bowl with friends and family to sharing intimate moments with a significant other on Valentine’s Day, let’s also take moments to remember our love for those who have passed.