The first Christmas after a loss is hard. So is the fifth. The decorations come out of the same boxes, the same songs play, and there's a space where someone used to be.
Many families find comfort in giving that person a place on the tree. A memorial ornament doesn't fix anything, and it isn't meant to. It's a small, visible way of saying: you're still part of this.
Here are some meaningful memorial ornament ideas, how to choose one, and a few gentle ways to give one to someone who's grieving.
Memorial ornament ideas
A video ornament with their favorite moments
For many people, what they miss most isn't how someone looked in a portrait. It's how they moved. The way Dad waved from the porch, the way Grandma danced in the kitchen, the way the dog spun in circles at the door.
A video keepsake ornament like the Glowkeep Memory Orb™ plays your own clips and photos on loop, on a round screen behind a clear dome. You choose the moments. After the holidays, it can sit on a shelf or nightstand, so the person stays close all year, not just in December.
Keep the selection small and warm: a wave, a laugh, a hug. You don't need to tell their whole life story on one ornament.
A handwriting ornament
If you have a card, a recipe or a note in their handwriting, it can be copied onto a clear or ceramic ornament. Seeing a familiar "Love, Mom" on the tree is quietly powerful.
Something they wore or used
A small piece of fabric from a favorite shirt, a button, a fishing lure, a guitar pick. Tucked into a clear fillable ornament, everyday objects become keepsakes.
A birthstone or a favorite color
Not every memorial ornament needs to be literal. A simple ornament in their favorite color or with their birthstone can be a private symbol only the family understands.
A pet memorial ornament
Pets are family, and losing one hurts. A paw-print ornament, their name tag on a ribbon, or a short video of them doing what they loved most all make a gentle tribute.
How to choose the right one
- Think about what you miss most. If it's their voice in a story, a letter or handwriting might fit. If it's their energy, a video ornament shows them moving.
- Think about who will see it. Young children often love seeing a grandparent "come alive" on a screen. Some adults prefer something quieter and more private.
- Think beyond December. Some families want the memorial put away with the decorations. Others want it out all year on a shelf or bedside table.
Choosing videos and photos for a memorial ornament
Going through old videos can be emotional, so give yourself time and, if you can, company. A few tips:
- Pick clips that feel like them, not just ones from big occasions. Ordinary moments are often the ones people hold onto.
- Choose short clips where their face is close to the camera. The screen is round and small, so close-ups work best.
- Ask other family members for clips. People often have videos you've never seen.
- Crop each clip to a square, 480 × 480, centered on their face. Our step-by-step guide explains how.
Giving a memorial ornament to someone who's grieving
A memorial ornament can be a deeply kind gift. It can also catch someone off guard. A few things help:
- Consider giving it privately, before the big family gathering, so they can react however they need to.
- Include a short note. Something simple like "I wanted him to be on the tree this year" says enough.
- If it's a video ornament, check the clips with someone close to them first. A moment that makes you smile might be hard for them to watch.
- Let them decide where it goes. On the tree, on a shelf, or in a drawer for now. All are fine.
When the holidays feel heavy
There is no right way to feel at Christmas after a loss. Some years the memorial ornament will make you smile. Some years you may want to hang it quickly and move on with the day. Both are normal. If the season feels like too much, it's okay to scale back, skip a tradition, or lean on friends and family a little more than usual. And if grief is weighing on you for a long time, talking with a counselor or a support group can help.
Small ways to include them at Christmas
Beyond an ornament, many families keep traditions that make room for the person they miss:
- Cook their signature dish and tell the story behind it.
- Light a candle at dinner and share one memory each.
- Play their favorite holiday movie on Christmas Eve.
- Donate to a cause they cared about, in their name.
- Hang their ornament last, together, as a family.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to give a memorial ornament as a gift?
Yes, for most people it's a thoughtful gesture. If you're unsure how someone will feel, ask a close family member first or give it privately.
Can I use the Memory Orb for a pet?
Absolutely. Videos of pets doing what they loved most are some of the sweetest things to keep on the tree.
Can I add more videos later?
Yes. Plug it into a computer with the USB-C cable and add or change files whenever you like.
When should I order for Christmas?
For delivery before Christmas, order by December 3. Shipping is free and tracked on US orders.
However you choose to remember someone this season, there's no wrong way to do it. If a moving keepsake feels right for your family, you can learn more about the Memory Orb here. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have time to be sure.
