Hello, dear ones,
As the holidays draw near, I find myself reflecting on the bittersweet nature of this time of year. The lights, the gatherings, the shared meals—they’re all filled with joy, but for those of us who have lost someone we love, they can also carry a deep ache. The empty chair at the table, the traditions we used to share, even the quiet moments can remind us of who is missing.
At Pachamama, the mission has always been to help families create meaningful ways to honor their loved ones, even during the most tender moments. The holidays are no exception—they can be an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of those we love while creating new ways to feel connected to them.
Here are some ideas to inspire you as you create your own traditions this holiday season, weaving memory, love, and healing into your celebrations.
1. A Special Ornament or Decoration
One beautiful way to keep their memory close is to create or choose something that symbolizes their life and legacy. For some, it might be an ornament for the tree with their name or a photo. For others, it could be lighting a special candle or placing flowers near their favorite spot in the house.
At Pachamama, we’ve seen how families incorporate our biodegradable urns into memorial spaces, even during the holidays. Some families place a flower arrangement or candle nearby as a tribute, creating a space where their loved one’s presence feels tangible during this time of togetherness.
2. A Shared Memory at the Table
The holiday meal is often a time when absence is felt most strongly. One way to honor your loved one is to make space for their presence by sharing a memory of them during the meal.
It could be as simple as saying, “I remember how much they loved this dish,” or telling a story about something they did that made you smile. For me, it’s recreating my mom’s 'huevos rellenos", a dish she always brought to the table with so much pride.
3. A Quiet Moment of Reflection
Sometimes, amidst the busyness of the season, what we need most is a moment of stillness to connect with our loved one’s memory. This could be lighting a candle, taking a walk to a place that reminds you of them, or even sitting quietly with a cup of tea while thinking of them.
For me, this often happens late at night, after the house has quieted. I light a candle, sit with my journal, and write a letter to my mom. These moments feel like a gift—to her, and to myself.
4. Giving Back in Their Honor
The holidays are also a season of generosity, and one way to honor a loved one’s memory is to give back in a way that reflects their values or passions.
Was your loved one passionate about a certain cause? Consider making a donation, volunteering, or supporting a project in their name. At Pachamama, we dedicate a portion of our proceeds to causes that align with our mission of sustainability and care, helping us create a legacy of love and support.
5. Creating a New Tradition Together
Consider starting a completely new tradition that feels like it honors your loved one’s spirit. This could be something as simple as baking their favorite cookies every year or going for a walk in a place they loved.
One family I know gathers every year to watch their loved one’s favorite holiday movie, complete with snacks they would have loved. Another family plants a tree or flower in their honor, marking each year with something that continues to grow—a living memory.
An Invitation to Honor and Heal
At Pachamama, everything we create is designed to support families during their most tender moments. This season, I hope you find ways to bring your loved ones into your celebrations, not through the lens of what’s missing, but through the beauty of what they gave to your life.
If you feel called, I’d love to hear how you honor your loved ones during the holidays. Please share your stories in the comments—I believe there’s so much we can learn from each other about love, loss, and the quiet strength that keeps us going.
With love and warmth,
Virginia