A lot of people will be grieving over the holidays if they’ve recently lost someone close to them or if other circumstances have made their holidays less than happy.
If you know someone like this, it can be tricky to know what to give them as a gift, since they may not want anything, or they may even already have everything they need or want right now.
Here are some ideas for gifts for grieving people during the holidays.
Holiday cards
If someone you love is grieving during the holidays, sending a thoughtful holiday card can help lift their spirits.
Of course, if they’re going through a particularly difficult time, it’s better to do something more significant than a typical holiday card.
A handwritten note or email about what you’re thankful for together is a great way to send some encouragement during trying times.
Or give them a gift certificate for an activity they enjoy that isn’t time-sensitive.
Candles & Incense
When someone we love passes away, it’s hard to think about life moving forward.
It can be difficult to celebrate holidays and other special occasions without them by our side.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for a family member or friend who has recently experienced a loss, you should avoid traditional holiday decorations and gifts.
Instead, look for meaningful ways to celebrate their loved one’s memory.
Also, if they are part of a religion such as Catholics, candles are lit in remembrance of their loved one, often next to a picture.
This is where a candle and a framed picture of their loved one may be appropriate.
If they are LDS, Christus statues may give them a sense of comfort that their loved one is in a better place waiting for them.
Memory Boxes
If you’re grieving, it can be easy to feel isolated, especially during big holidays when everyone else seems to be celebrating.
Consider putting together a small memory box for someone in your life who’s grieving.
It could be anything from favorite pictures of people or pets they’ve lost to old Christmas cards with messages inside.
Or maybe their favorite food, candy bar,, or special drink—whatever brings back good memories for them.
While it might not seem like much, something simple like that can help someone feel less alone when they’re missing a loved one during what are supposed to be happy times.
Inspirational Books
Often people want to help but don’t know how.
Books can be a great gift for someone who is grieving. Books offer a distraction from grief, and they offer stories of hope and survival.
There are many books out there, so just pick one that strikes you as something your friend might like.
Here are some popular ones: Silver Linings by Matthew Quick; A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle; Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom; The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold; and The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
Check them out at your local library or bookstore to find one that seems perfect for your friend’s needs. The holidays are supposed to be joyful times.
Yet, even happy events can trigger feelings of grief for those experiencing loss.
If you know someone who is grieving during the holidays, keep in mind that you don’t have to give them anything specific (like a trinket associated with their loved one) to acknowledge what they’re going through.
Practical gifts like help with household chores or tickets to an event can make a big difference in how they feel about celebrating life during difficult times.
The best thing you can do for someone experiencing holiday grief is check in on them and let them know you’re there if they need support or just want to talk.
If you need more ideas, here are 15 unique sympathy gifts.