10 Creative Ideas for Remembering Your Late Loved One on Their Birthday
Birthdays have always been a time for celebration, but after your Loved One dies, their birthday simply won’t feel the same anymore.
Also known as a “heavenly birthday”, your Loved One’s first birthday after they’ve died can be filled with complicated emotions. While the day will still remind you of them and all of the memories you shared, you’ll also be reminded that they are no longer with you.
Even though it may be hard to face, there are ways that you can continue to honor your Loved One on their birthday after they’re gone. Find inspiration with these ten ideas:
Bake a Cake
Cakes are synonymous with birthdays. Pick your Loved One’s favorite flavor and bake one in their honor. You can then share it with your close family and friends as you share your favorite memories of your late Loved One with one another.
Host a Family Gathering
Many families will gather on a birthday, and that tradition doesn’t have to stop just because a Loved One is no longer with you. Get the group together at your house, a restaurant, or even a favorite park for a few hours of fellowship. Seeing the people you love together remembering someone special is a great way to find some comfort on a difficult day.
Give Someone a Gift in Their Memory
Your Loved One’s kindness can live on through you when you give a gift to someone in their memory. Consider giving a personalized gift, like a custom Framed Memorial, that reminds both of you of your mutual Loved One.
Put Their Favorite Flowers in Your Home
Small gestures, like keeping your Loved One’s favorite flowers on display in your home, can have a big impact on helping you remember them on their birthday. Each time you see the bouquet, you’ll be reminded of the happy memories you had together over the years.
Wear Jewelry Engraved with Their Fingerprint
One way to keep your Loved One near your heart on their birthday—and always—is to wear Jewelry engraved with their fingerprint. As you feel the lines and grooves of their print pattern on your Necklace, Ring, or Charm Bracelet, you’ll know that they are still with you.
Wear Their Favorite Color
Even though the first birthday after your Loved One has died will carry some grief, you can still brighten up the day by wearing their favorite color. This symbolic choice will keep your late Loved One top of mind as you go about your day, and hopefully add a few smiles throughout any sadness you’re feeling.
Go On a Day Trip to a Place They Loved
A great way to feel close to someone you miss is to go to the places they loved spending time in. If you’re able, take a trip to somewhere they enjoyed visiting. This could be a theme park, baseball stadium, or even their hometown. Being surrounded by the places that made them who they were can bring back cherished memories.
Light a Special Candle
Another thing birthdays are best known for is the tradition of lighting candles. Consider lighting one in honor of your late Loved One this year—whether it be on a cake, in a church, or simply at your kitchen table. You can then watch as the flame glows, representing your Loved One’s light still being near.
Listen to Their Favorite Music
Music has a special way of transporting people back to their favorite memories with the people they loved. On the first birthday after your Loved One dies, play their favorite artists and albums. You can sit quietly and listen or get up and dance around—as you do, you will feel closer to your Loved One again.
Take Some Time to Reflect
The first heavenly birthday for your Loved One is a significant milestone. Take some time to honor all of the complex feelings this day brings you. To help you process everything, consider writing in a journal, talking to someone who is also grieving the loss, or reaching out to a trusted grief counselor.
Remember Your Loved One All Year Long
Your late Loved One’s birthday is the perfect reason to set a little time aside to remember them, however, it’s important that you keep this spirit of celebration going all year long. Don’t just spend one day reminiscing about all of the good times you two shared. Instead, think of them often and fondly. As more time passes, it’ll become easier to find joy in your memories.
We’re thinking of you, now and always. If you’d like more information about navigating grief, please visit our blog.
