The Christmas holiday season can be a beautiful time of year, filled with family traditions, laughter and togetherness. But for those who have lost someone dear, Christmas can also bring a quiet ache, a sense that something important is missing from the celebration. At Dils Funeral Services, serving families across Albany, Birkenhead and the Hibiscus Coast, we understand how the festive season can stir both fond memories and fresh waves of grief.
When someone you love is no longer at the table, the season of joy can feel bittersweet. You might find yourself missing their voice during Christmas lunch, their favourite carols, or the way they lit up the room when the tree was decorated. While grief may never fully disappear, there are gentle ways to weave love and remembrance into your Christmas so that your loved one’s presence is still felt, even in their absence.
One meaningful approach is to include them in your traditions in a small but heartfelt way. This could mean hanging a special ornament on the tree, lighting a candle in their memory on Christmas morning, or setting aside a quiet moment to share a story about them. These acts of remembrance remind us that love does not end, and that it’s possible to keep their spirit close while still embracing new joy.
Some families choose to start new traditions that honour the person they have lost. You might decide to cook their favourite meal, donate to a charity that was important to them, or take a walk along the beach at the Hibiscus Coast, reflecting on the happy times you shared. For others, it may feel more healing to keep things simple and focus on togetherness. There is no right or wrong way to grieve at Christmas, only what feels right for you.
It is also important to be gentle with yourself. Grief can be unpredictable, especially during holidays that once held shared memories. Allow space for both sorrow and celebration. You may find that laughter and tears mingle in the same moment, and that’s perfectly okay. Sharing how you feel with family and friends can also help ease the sense of loneliness that often accompanies loss.
At Dils Funeral Services, we have seen how families across the North Shore find comfort in connection. Whether it’s through community gatherings, quiet reflection, or shared remembrance, keeping memories alive helps transform sadness into gratitude. It allows us to honour the love that shaped us and to recognise that those we have lost remain a part of our story.
Christmas will always carry meaning, even after loss. By holding space for memories, creating moments of reflection, and cherishing the love that endures, we keep the essence of those we miss alive. Though they may no longer walk beside us, their influence and their love continue to guide us through every season.
This Christmas, take a moment to pause, remember and give thanks. In doing so, you may find that the greatest gift of all is the enduring presence of love, one that neither time nor distance can ever take away.
