23 Tips To Help You Cope With A Death Anniversary

When it comes to the death anniversary of a loved one, what thoughts come to your mind? Maybe you’re thinking how do I cope and get through the day? Milestones such as…first Christmas, first birthday, or anniversary after your loved one passes away.

Let’s not forget Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or one of the most painful deaths for me, is the death of a child or grandchild. Losing a child is one of the hardest losses you will endure in this world.

All these occasions have a way of reminding us of whom we’ve lost. In all honesty, how do you keep the memories from taking you down a path you try your best to avoid?

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What is the definition of a death anniversary?

Grief is full of painful milestones. The first birthday after your loved one passes away. The first Christmas. Father’s Day. Mother’s Day. All these occasions remind us of what we’ve lost. So, it’s no wonder that many of us dread a death anniversary.

Let’s begin by looking at a definition of a death anniversary. A death anniversary is self-explanatory, right? A death anniversary is the anniversary of someone’s death and entering their eternal destination.

After research on this topic, numerous studies show people view the death anniversary the same as any other day. However, like myself, many find it a struggle no matter how hard they try not to let it be.

Sweet friend, please remember that nothing is more important to keep in mind about death than salvation and where you’ll spend eternity.

What is the best way to acknowledge a death anniversary?

Simply stated, honor the memory of your loved one on their death anniversary. There’s no right or wrong answer here. That said, I want to help you by giving you a few ideas to think about because there is hope in grief.

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death anniversary ideas and tips

So, what do you do on the anniversary of a loved one’s death? First and foremost, people deal with grief differently. What works best for one will be opposite to how another person handles death.

That being said, I’ve put together a list of death anniversary ideas that you may find helpful.

1. Permit yourself to cry so that you can release your feelings that may be bottled up.
2. Plant a tree in your loved one memory.
3. Light a candle to honor the memory of your loved one.
4. Go to a place that holds a special memory you made together.
5. Visit your loved one final resting place and say a special prayer.
6. Start a journal of special memories that you can pass on to the next generation of children and grandchildren.
7. Do something you and your loved one enjoyed together and consider bringing more of the family along.
8. Go away on a special trip so you can leave the house that shares numerous memories of your loved one.
9. Have a potluck with those who knew your loved one well and share special memories and/or photos.
10. Invite a close friend to go on a walk with you so that you express your feelings.
11. Drag out old photo albums and watch videos.
12. Binge-watch some of your loved one’s favorite TV shows.
13. Stay busy to distract yourself from becoming depressed.
14. Release balloons with a gathering of family and friends.
15. Grab a friend and go watch a movie together.
16. Organize a fundraiser and donate it to your loved one memory.
17. Listen to some of your loved one’s favorite music.
18. Do a charity run to raise money for a cause.
19. Collect photos to make a scrapbook.
20. Pamper yourself for the day to clear your mind.
21. Go visit someone who knows your loved one well and have a long chat because they may also be struggling too.
22. Make a video that expresses how you feel about the person you’ve lost. This will be a great keepsake to pass along to your children and grandchildren.
23. Most importantly. if they’re in Christ…know this is not goodbye, it’s I’ll join you soon!

First-anniversary Death ideas

Commemorating the first anniversary of a loved one’s death with a memorial service can be very comforting. You can invite just close family, or open it up to friends.

If you’d like it to be a quiet, reflective occasion you could hold a candlelight vigil.

Others may prefer to celebrate the life of their loved ones and make the memorial service a big gathering to lean on one another for support.

You could play your loved one’s favorite music, cook all their favorite foods, and share bittersweet memories.

But really, it’s up to you how you acknowledge the anniversary of the death of someone you love. Do whatever feels right for you, not what everyone else “thinks” you should and shouldn’t do. Do whatever brings you hope and comfort.

5 death anniversary Gifts

Wind Chime

When I lost my Mama we received footprints in the sand wind chime which is hanging on my front porch. It makes me think of her every time the wind blows.

custom-engraved picture frames

Keep your loved one’s memory alive by adding a special engraved frame with their photo in it.

Commemorative candle

Grab a commemorative candle and add the name of your loved one or their favorite Bible verse to it. 

Memory Jar

A memory jar is a large glass container where you can collect thoughts and memories about your loved one.

Memorial Garden Stone

Commemorate your loved one’s life with a heart-shaped memorial stone. This will serve as a reminder of the memories you’ve shared whenever you see it.

8 Comforting Bible Verses about Death

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass. Isaiah 51:12

Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death. Psalm 68:20

Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live. John 11:25

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13

Scars In Heaven

I sincerely pray that our 26 Tps to Help You Cope with a Death Anniversary will help start your healing journey with the loss of your loved one. We hope you take a quick look at the few items you can purchase in remembrance too.

Your Turn

May you find hope and comfort in the bible verses to show you that if you’re in Christ, it’s not the end, only the beginning…you will be reunited with your loved ones again in Heaven one day very soon.

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