Five Ways to Cope with the Loss of a Loved One on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is normally a happy time, but for those who are coping with the loss of a loved one, the holiday brings about sadness. Whether it’s the first Valentine’s without them, the fifth, or the tenth, it’s a painful reminder of their loss. 

To help make coping with the loss of a loved one on Valentine’s Day a little easier, we’ve come up with some meaningful ways to grieve and honor them. Whether you’re looking for a group project or solo activity, there’s something for everyone! 

1. Give Yourself Time to Grieve 

First off, allow yourself the time you need to feel whatever emotions you’re feeling. It’s okay to be sad and cry. Once you’ve let yourself process and accept your feelings, you can find some healthy ways to grieve, like the ideas in the rest of this blog post. You also can reach out to your local funeral home for grief resource recommendations like books and blogs, support groups, counselors, and any other helpful tools. 

2. Create a Personalized Memento 

Creating a personalized memento is a great way to process your grief, and you end up with a special keepsake to remember your loved one by. For example, art projects are meaningful outlets that can take many forms, from sculptures and paintings to scrapbooks and blankets. Depending on the project you choose, you can even make multiple mementos to give to your loved ones. This way, everyone has something to keep their loved one close. Check out this list of craft projects for more ideas. 

3. Visit Their Gravesite or Ash Scattering Location 

Another way to feel closer to your loved one is to visit their gravesite or ash scattering location on Valentine’s Day. It’s a simple, yet meaningful way to honor and remember them. This way, you can take some time to think about your loved one. You also can clean up their gravesite, such as by brushing away dirt, removing weeds, adding decorations, and placing flowers. If you don’t live close by, you can see if a loved one can video chat with you, so you can be there virtually. 

4. Do One of Their Favorite Activities 

Doing one of your loved one’s favorite activities is another great way to grieve and spend the day. For example, if your loved one liked to cook, invite your family and friends over to enjoy a meal while watching your loved one’s favorite movie. You also can eat your loved one’s favorite Valentine’s Day candy. Or if your loved one was an avid reader, curl up on the couch with a cozy blanket and a good book. If you want to get out of the house, go to one of your loved one’s favorite places, such as a local restaurant or park. 

5. Donate in Their Honor to an Important Cause 

To give back while honoring your loved one, find an important cause to donate to in their honor. It can be a cause that was important to them, a local charity or organization, or anything else to make a positive difference in your community. For example, one idea that goes along with Valentine’s Day is to visit the residents at your local nursing home. You can make cards and bring them flowers and other goodies to brighten their day.  

What other ways can you cope with the loss of a loved one on Valentine’s Day? Share your ideas with us in the comments!