Continuing Bonds Theory says that when someone dies our relationship with them does not end, but it slowly changes over time.  The bond can remain just as strong, and some activities and rituals may help to establish and maintain the development of these bonds.

Christmas can be a particularly reflective time, as we think about people and pets that are no longer physically with us. Over the years, people have kindly shared creative activities that they have found helpful at Christmas and we are now sharing those in the hope that you find them positive too.

Memory Bauble

The Christmas tree is often one of the focal point of the festivities and many people choose to include decorations in memory of those who can not be there. If you would like to create a memory bauble you may find our instructions helpful – they are an opportunity to add personal items to make them really personal.

Memory Angel

Memory angels can be made from pegs and feathers and include something in memory of someone who has died.  Special thanks to Katie Mather for sharing this special idea with us and for allowing us to create these Memory angel instructions.

Memory Star Wand

We have also collaborated with Rosalie Kuyvenhoven, celebrant at Rituals today to share how to make her wonderful memory star wand.  She has created a helpful video about how to make the Memory Star Wand and we have made some written Memory Wand instructions, which you can print off and use. These wands are a wonderful way for children to let adults know when they would like to talk about someone who has died, by sharing a story of memory.

Please let us know if you have any ideas that we could add to this little collection. We hope that you have found these inspiring – please share so that together we can reach as many people as possible.