The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but they can be a particularly difficult time to cope with the loss of a loved one. Mark and Lisa Henderson, owners of Hillcrest Funeral Home realize that Christmas without a loved one is especially challenging and can be one of the most painful reminders of your loss.
Whether it’s the first year of loss or several years down the line, grief surges during the holidays.
Psychologists say that one of the best ways to deal with grief around the holidays is to create new rituals – rituals that incorporate the memory of a loved one into the holidays. These rituals can range from a traditional candle-lighting ceremony, to decorating a tree with memorial ornaments, to something as simple as watching classic holiday movies and baking holiday treats. These new rituals can go on to become part of a family’s holiday tradition for years to come.
The holidays are often a difficult time for grieving families. That’s why Hillcrest Funeral Home is hosting a holiday remembrance program for the families and community members they have served throughout the year.
This year they are hosting “A Gentle Christmas” on Sunday, December 1, 2019, at St. John’s Anglican Church at 3 p.m. Pastor Dana Johnston will lead a non-denominational celebration of remembrance with words of comfort and encouragement, prayers, a candle-lighting ceremony and music performed by the Campbell Trio.
“We put on this program every year for the families in our community,” said Mark Henderson. “It can be a difficult time of year for those who have lost someone they love, and this event lets everyone come together to honor their loved ones and grieve together.”
They also invite and encourage you to join them at the church hall for refreshments following the ceremony. Please RSVP call at 613-678-2002 or email [email protected] by Monday, November 25 and everyone in attendance will receive a beautiful angel keepsake in honour of their loved one.
