Advent 30 Day What's Up Challenge 24 - Light a candle in memory of someone who can't be with you

Why is this good for your emotional health and wellbeing?

Christmas can be an emotional time if we are missing a loved one who can no longer be with us.
It’s okay to feel the sadness that comes with missing someone during the holidays.
Lighting a candle and sharing memories and stories with friends and family about that loved one can help you acknowledge your feelings of sadness and loss.

How to complete this challenge

Light a candle in memory of someone you miss. Stay by the candle and think of the happy memories you had with them. Once you have finished reminiscing, blow out the candle (Don’t leave your lit candle unattended – be safe)

It is an old tradition to light a candle when someone is away from home or who is no longer with you to let them know that they are missed and that the memory of them lives on.

Other things you could do to remember your loved one are:

• Creating a memory box of your childhood photos with them, and keepsakes that they gave you or they liked, or make a memory jar containing your shared memories of them.

• Start a new tradition that honor your loved one’s memory – it could be eating their favourite meal or snack, doing an activity they enjoyed. Winstons Wish Charity has lots of activities children and young people can do to remember a loved one.
  
• Reach out to someone you can talk to about your feelings of loss – a friend, family member, online forum, support group who can help comfort you.

When we are missing someone, try not to be alone with your emotions- keep connecting with others around you.

See our page When somebody dies for advice and support services if you are struggling.

Also see advice from Young Minds – dealing with grief and loss