The holidays are about being together, which is exactly why they can feel so heavy after losing someone. Many families find comfort in small traditions that keep a loved one part of the season. A memorial ornament is one of the simplest: every year when the tree goes up, their name goes up with it.
What to put on a memorial ornament
- Their name and years. For example “Michael Smith, 1945–2025”.
- A favorite photo. A photo where they are smiling often means more than any words.
- A short message. “Always with you”, “Forever in our hearts” or “In loving memory”.
- A nickname. Grandpa, Nana, Mom: the name the family actually used.
Our memorial ornaments
The Personalized Angel Wings Memorial Ornament frames a photo between two angel wings, with a message such as “I’m always with you”. The Personalized Angel Memorial Christmas Ornament shows an angel holding a heart, with a name, dates and a short verse on the wings.
Giving a memorial ornament as a sympathy gift
A memorial ornament can be a kind gift for a friend who is grieving, but it helps to be thoughtful about it:
- Use the name the family uses, and double check spelling and dates.
- Give it privately, with a short handwritten note, rather than at a big gathering.
- There is no wrong time. Many people give it before the first holiday season, others on an anniversary.
- If you are unsure, a simple message like “Thinking of you this Christmas” is always enough.
Small traditions that help
- Let each family member hang the memorial ornament in turn each year.
- Share one favorite memory of them while decorating the tree.
- Light a candle on Christmas Eve next to the tree.
- Make their favorite holiday recipe together.
We hope these ideas help you keep someone close this season.