What to do on The anniversary of your loved one’s death (or other special occasion)
Knowing what to do on the anniversary of a loved one’s death is hard; do you keep yourself busy doing something distracting, spend time by yourself or surround yourself with friends and family? The same advice applies to other occasions such as their birthday or other special days. Below are a few ideas to help you find something appropriate to do.
1. Visit their final resting place. You could even take some flowers or a plant if allowed, light a candle or make a donation to the venue.
2. Do something that you liked to do together such as a favourite walk, going to the theatre or watching a favourite sports team. You might want to take a friend or someone else who was close to them, both so you’re not alone and so you can support each other.
3. Bring friends and family together for an afternoon or even a dinner party to reminisce and keep each other’s spirits up. It might be wise to ask everyone to bring some food, so you’re not too stressed out. A gathering gives you the chance to raise a glass to your loved one. You could even do a meal of their favourite foods and drinks and play their favourite music.
4. If you want to be alone, you could look through photos and letters or messages and create a memory book of your loved one or do something artistic like painting a picture, writing a poem or making something in their memory. You could even write a letter to your loved one.
5. If you are religious, then you could hold a remembrance ceremony or go to your place of worship.
6. If you feel you need distracting, you could do a challenge for charity such as a run or something different like a skydive in honour of your loved one and donate the funds to a meaningful cause.
7. If none of the above ideas sound right for you, how about just spending the day with someone who knew your loved one well, you may well be feeling a similar pain.
8. Finally, know you’re not alone. Friends and family will be thinking of you and will be there for support. Even if you feel you don’t have anyone to turn to – Cruse bereavement are there for you to offer bereavement support and advice.
Cruse is the UK’s leading bereavement charity reaching over 100,000 people across the UK each year. They offer support, advice, and information to children, young people, and adults when someone dies and works to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
For immediate bereavement support contact their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Children and young people can:
Call the Freephone helpline on 0808 808 1677
Visit their website designed by and for young people at www.hopeagain.org.uk or
Email them at hopeagain@cruse.org.uk