21 Simple Ways To Keep Memories Alive

Keeping memories alive can play an important role in relieving grief following the death of a loved one. There are unlimited ways you can honor the memory of your loved one. But what are the best ways to keep precious memories forever?

Here are some: 

1. Watch your loved one’s favorite movie, whether by yourself or with your family and friends.
2. Frame and display an item written by your loved one, such as a letter, poem, recipe, etc.
3. Read his or her favorite book.
4. Create and wear a custom jewelry piece featuring his or her name, handwriting replica, or a meaningful word or phrase.
5. Talk to your funeral director about custom items you can have made as remembrance keepsakes.
6. Complete any item on his or her bucket list.
7. Light a candle on a special day: birthday, anniversary, death anniversary, special holiday, etc.
8. Celebrate your loved one’s birthday or another important day by visiting his or her favorite restaurant, preparing a favorite dessert, toasting with a favorite wine, etc.
9. Sing or play his or her favorite song(s) or attend a concert by a favorite artist.
10. Support a meaningful cause by participating in a fundraiser, volunteering your time or by donating in memory of your loved one.
11. Plant a tree or garden as a living memorial.
12. Prepare a meal featuring your loved one’s favorite foods for your family and friends, and invite guests to share their favorite memories as you toast his or her memory.
13. Incorporate a special recipe into holiday gatherings.
14. Gather photos and mementos and create a scrapbook, or use an online book-publishing tool to create a memory book.
15. Create a legacy film in memory of your loved one. Get the how-to here.
16. Take up one of your loved one’s hobbies.
17. Journal memories of time spent together, or about experiences you are having now that you wish you could share with your loved one.
18. Write a letter to your loved one, place it in an envelope and keep it in a memory box.
19. Create a quilt that incorporates some of your loved one’s clothing.
20. Craft a memory sculpture or collage from mementos and items important to your loved one.
21. Get a tattoo in honor of your loved one (consider a temporary version unless you’re sure).

Related blog: On Grief, Loss and Depression