Grace in the Season

How to Honor the Holidays When a Loved One Is in Hospice

The holidays often bring warmth, tradition, and togetherness—but when a loved one is in hospice, this season can also bring profound emotion and uncertainty. The festivities that once felt effortless may now feel solemn, or even bittersweet. Still, observing the holidays—gently and intentionally—can nourish comfort, connection, and cherished memories.

Honor Traditions in New Ways

You don't have to forsake long-standing family traditions. Instead, find ways to simplify or adapt them. Consider lighting a candle for each family member who has passed away, prepare a time-honored dish that brings back fond memories, or adorn your loved one's room with familiar holiday items. These small gestures provide a feeling of normalcy while acknowledging the changes that this year may bring.

Create Space for Rest and Reflection

For caregivers, the holidays can add an added layer of anxiety. Allow yourself to slow down. It's okay to say no to events or gatherings that feel cumbersome. Schedule quiet time—whether it's reading, taking a walk, or sitting with a cup of coffee—to take a moment to breathe. Your well-being counts as much as the care you deliver.

Include Your Loved One in Simple Moments

Even when energy is limited, moments of connection can be meaningful. Share treasured music, get lost in vintage holiday photos, or enjoy the scent of baking together. These small experiences can ignite joy and provide emotional familiarity, even in silence.

Invite Support

Lean on your family, friends, and hospice care team for help. Volunteers, social workers, and chaplains can help share responsibilities, listen, and provide spiritual and emotional support.

Remember, you are not alone. Seek support and lean on others when your days get tough.

Embrace the Spirit of Gratitude

Though this time can feel delicate, gratitude has a way of grounding us. Reflect on the love you've shared, the laughter you've experienced, and the memories that continue to connect you. Gratitude doesn't obliterate grief—it makes space for both love and loss to coexist.

The holidays may look different this year, but they can still carry beauty, meaning, and connection. At Stillwater Hospice, we are here to walk beside you—enabling you to honor traditions, produce new memories, and find peace in the moments that matter most.