Birthdays of Deceased Loved Ones

Birthdays are often a cause for celebration. But after the loss of a loved one, they can be a bittersweet reminder. Birthdays of the deceased don’t have to be somber days. Rather, they can be celebrations of the life of your loved one. Below, we will discuss some ways to honor the memory of your loved one on their birthday. 

Light a Candle

Whether you light a candle at church, or a scented one in the home, a candle’s light can be comforting. Consider buying a candle that you think your loved one would have liked, and using that. 

Write them a Letter

Journalling can be very beneficial to the grieving process. Write your deceased loved one a letter. You can write about your life, how much you miss them, and what they’ve missed since they’ve passed away. This practice can help you process grief and can be both emotional and cathartic. 

Do An Activity You Used To Do Together

Shared hobbies, outing destinations, and other activities can help you feel closer to your loved one. Plan a day doing things you both loved to do together. Watch a favorite movie, or play their favorite board game. Invite friends or other loved ones to participate. This can help you feel less alone in your grief. 

Donate in their Memory

Many people have charities that are close to their hearts. Consider donating to a charity that your loved one supported in their lifetime. If your loved one passed away due to a specific illness, perhaps donate to a charity that works toward a cure for that condition. 

Visit their Burial Site

Take a trip to visit their burial site. If their birthday is a nice day, you may want to consider planning a picnic on the cemetery grounds. Be sure to check with the grounds staff for rules and regulations for the property, as well as your loved one’s section when making plans. Different areas of a cemetery may have different rules. 

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are several resources out there. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.