27 Ways to Honor and Remember Your Loved One on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection, gratitude, and, for many, a reminder of the loved ones who are no longer with us. If you are grieving, this holiday can bring a mix of emotions. However, it can also be a day to celebrate and honor the memory of those who have passed.

Here are 27 meaningful ways to remember and honor your loved one this Thanksgiving. We hope you can adopt one of these as a way to hold your loved one close to you this holiday season.

Meaningful Way to Remember A Loved One on Thanksgiving

1. Light a Candle: Lighting a candle is a symbolic way to keep your loved one's memory alive. Choose a candle with a scent or color that reminds you of them, creating a serene, reflective atmosphere. Our personalized In Memory of candle may be the perfect tribute to your loved one.

2. Share Favorite Stories: Encourage guests to share heartwarming or funny stories about your loved one. This collective storytelling not only honors their memory but also helps keep their spirit alive through shared laughter and tears. It’s a beautiful way to remember the joy they brought into your lives.

3. Prepare Their Favorite Dish: Cooking their favorite dish is a loving tribute. As you prepare and savor it, you celebrate their life and the tastes they enjoyed. This act can spark conversations about their legacy and the meals you once shared, keeping their memory integral to family traditions.

4. Create a Memory Table: Set up a small table with photos, their personal items, or things they loved. This dedicated space serves as a visual reminder of their presence and invites others to remember and reflect on their life, providing a tangible connection to their memory during the holiday.

5. Visit Their Resting Place: Visiting their grave or memorial site can be a peaceful way to connect with your loved one. You might bring flowers, a Thanksgiving decoration, or simply spend some quiet time in reflection, feeling closer to them during this significant time of year.

6. Donate in Their Name: Making a donation to a cause they cared about is a meaningful way to extend their legacy. It’s a gesture that not only honors their values and passions but also makes a positive impact in the world in their name.

7. Reflective Walk: Take a walk in a place that holds special memories, perhaps a favorite park or trail. Use this time to reflect on the moments you shared, feeling their presence in the surrounding beauty and the peace of nature.

8. Write a Letter: Writing a letter to your loved one can be a therapeutic way to express your feelings. Share updates about your life, express your missings, and reminisce about happy times. It’s a personal and intimate way to feel connected to them.

9. Toast to Their Memory: During your meal, propose a toast in their honor. Share a few heartfelt words about what they meant to you. This shared moment of remembrance can be a powerful reminder of their lasting impact on your lives.

10. Volunteer: Volunteering in their memory, perhaps at a charity or organization they supported, is a way to continue their legacy of kindness and compassion. It’s a positive and meaningful way to channel your grief into helping others.

11. Create a Memory Book: Assemble a book filled with photos, stories, and mementos. This project not only serves as a therapeutic process for you but also creates a lasting tribute that can be shared and cherished by family and friends for years to come.

12. Plant a Tree: Planting a tree in their memory is a living tribute that grows over time. It symbolizes life, growth, and ongoing connection, providing a serene place to visit and remember them in the years to come.

13. Cook Together: Engage in the therapeutic act of cooking, especially if it was a shared hobby. Use their recipes or cooking style to feel their presence and pass on their culinary legacy to others at the table.

14. Special Playlist: Music has a powerful way of evoking memories. Compile a playlist of their favorite songs or tracks that remind you of them, creating a background score for the day that keeps their memory alive in every note.

15. Craft a Memory Jar: Fill a jar with written memories or notes about your loved one. This can be a group activity, inviting others to contribute. Whenever you miss them, pull out a note to reminisce and smile.

16. Customized Decoration: Create a Thanksgiving decoration, like a wreath or centerpiece, incorporating elements they loved – maybe using their favorite colors or incorporating symbols that represent their personality or interests.

17. Watch Their Favorite Movie: End your day by watching a movie they loved. This can be a comforting way to end the day, wrapped up in memories and feeling a sense of closeness to them.

18. Wear Something of Theirs: Wearing a piece of their clothing or jewelry can make you feel physically closer to them. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to have a part of them with you during the holiday.

19. Set a Place at the Table: Setting an extra place at your table is a symbolic gesture of their continued presence in your life. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of their significance in your family and gatherings.

20. Release Biodegradable Lanterns: If possible, release biodegradable lanterns into the sky. This beautiful gesture symbolizes letting your love and memories soar high while being environmentally conscious.

21. Memory Craft: Engage in a craft project that reminds you of them. Whether it's knitting, scrapbooking, or painting, this act of creation can be a therapeutic way to channel your feelings and create something beautiful in their honor.

22. Gratitude List: Write down things you were grateful for about your loved one. Reflecting on the positive impact they had on your life can be a comforting way to focus on the love and joy they brought.

23. Host a Charity Event: Organize a small event in their honor, with proceeds going to their favorite charity. This not only keeps their memory alive but also spreads kindness and generosity in their name.

24. Frame a Favorite Recipe: If they were known for a special dish, frame the recipe – particularly if it’s in their handwriting. This serves as a sentimental keepsake and a reminder of the times you shared in the kitchen.

25. Create a Memory Garden: Dedicate a part of your garden to them, planting their favorite flowers or plants. This creates a living memorial where you can sit, reflect, and feel connected to them.

26. Bake Their Favorite Dessert: Baking their favorite dessert can be a sweet way to remember them. Share it with family and friends, perhaps recounting stories of past Thanksgivings or other special moments shared over dessert.

27. Have a Moment of Silence: Before you begin your Thanksgiving meal, observe a moment of silence in their honor. This allows everyone a moment to reflect on their memory and the space they still hold in your hearts.

Remembering a loved one during Thanksgiving can be a comforting way to feel connected to them. It’s important to honor your emotions and do what feels right for you. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a shared story that brings laughter, these acts of remembrance can be a powerful part of your healing journey.