Visit their gravesite to sit and reflect or share stories with your loved one. You can bring some beautiful flowers to place on their gravesite, such as their favorite flowers or ones with meaning behind them.

For example, you can place red carnations to represent admiration, remembrance, strength, and love.

You can have releasing ceremonies in memory of your loved one. Some environmentally-friendly options include wildflower seeds, biodegradable balloons, or bubbles. Of course, we encourage you to check all rules and regulations if you plan on visiting a park or other public area.

Writing is a creative outlet for expressing your thoughts and emotions to create something beautiful. You can write a song or poem about your loved one and how much you miss them. It doesn’t have to be perfect; just something that makes you happy and honors their memory. You can share it with your family and friends or keep it to yourself.

Doing their favorite hobby is another way to honor their memory. Whether it’s cooking, reading, exercising, or something else, dedicate the day to their favorite pastime.

Another way to spend the day is volunteering at their favorite charity. You can honor their life while making a difference in the lives of others in need.

If you’re not sure where to volunteer, check out VolunteerMatch to find opportunities near you.

An additional way to honor their memory while helping others is to donate to their favorite cause in their name. Find a charity that reflected their interests, such as if they were passionate about animal rights or helping the homeless.

If your loved one was an avid cook or baker, make their favorite meal. You can invite family and friends of your loved one over to enjoy the meal and share stories about your loved one.

Lastly, don’t forget to allow yourself time alone to grieve. It’s important to accept your emotions and not deny yourself a healthy healing journey.