My Christmas in Heaven Story with the Loss of My Dad
There have been several “Christmas in Heaven” poems written by authors who experienced the loss of a close loved one. They created the poems as memorial poems of their loved ones.
The first Christmas after you lose a family member is very difficult. Depending on how close to the season your loss occurs, it can be especially hard to feel like celebrating Christmas or the holidays.
The first significant loss for me personally was in 2018 when I lost both my Dad (and essentially my Mom too). My Dad passed away in April 2018 and he had been taking care of my Mom who has dementia.
After he passed away, she had to go into a nursing home because we weren’t able to care for her at our homes (she requires round the clock care). So we went from a normal Christmas for our family in 2017 to neither of my parents being able to be at Christmas in 2018.
I am not going to lie, the first Christmas without them was pretty heartbreaking. Our immediate family was still able to celebrate together, but it just wasn’t the same. When you are used to celebrating a certain way and then are forced to celebrate the holidays without them, it is really hard.
Ways of Coping After Losing Your Loved One
There were a few things that made the first Christmas season after losing them easier for me as their daughter. We tried to make the most of the time I still had with my Mom even if it meant celebrating Christmas in a nursing home.
We also did our best to honor my Dad by think about him as celebrating Christmas in heaven. My Dad and Mom are religious and they raised me to believe as well. It can make Christmas Day feel even more meaningful when you believe your loved one is spending it in heaven.
If you have lost a loved one and are celebrating your first (or any) holiday and missing your loved ones, the following poems may help to make it a bit easier. The poems can help you to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away and offer Christmas wishes to them at Christmas time.
What are “Christmas in Heaven” poems?
There are actually several variations on Christmas in Heaven poems. They all are similar in that they describe a loved one spending Christmas in Heaven.
The ones that are most well known are written by authors who experienced loved ones who passed away. The poems help to express the longing, love, and memories we have from those who are no longer with us.
The poems help us to imagine our loved ones in peace and experiencing the joy that must come from celebrating Christmas in Heaven.
If you believe in God and Jesus Christ, the idea that your loved ones are with them in spirit in heaven can be a very comforting thought at this special time of year. These poems offer comfort, solace, and a way to keep your loved ones memory alive during the holiday season.
The most popular poems about spending Christmas in Heaven:
“Christmas in Heaven“ by Wanda Bencke – she wrote this poem to honor her daughter who passed away in 1997.
“My First Christmas in Heaven” by Unknown – Baldwin, Emma. “My First Christmas in Heaven”. Poem Analysis.
“Merry Christmas in Heaven“ by John Mooney Junior – he wrote this poem to honor his mother who passed away in 1989.
These poems often resonate with individuals who have experienced the loss of someone close to them, providing a sense of hope and connection during a time that can be challenging.
“Christmas in Heaven” by Wanda Bencke
“I see the countless Christmas trees
First Verse – Copyright – Wanda Bencke, 1997
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like heaven’s stars
Reflecting in the snow.”
How to Find Free Printable “Christmas in Heaven” poems
If you would like to have a “Christmas in Heaven” poem to add to your holiday as a way of remembering your lost loved one, there are several ways to obtain downloadable “Christmas in Heaven” poems:
The websites listed above include the poems listed
They aren’t exactly formatted for printing nicely however. You can search for “heaven poem printable -web” to find more of these types of poems too to print for free.
Look for printable versions available for purchase on websites like Pinterest and Etsy
If you are going to make it a keepsake, you want to print it out on the highest quality paper you can find or order a professional copy of it to be printed.
Memorial and grief support websites
Websites dedicated to providing support and resources for grieving individuals often have a selection of free printable Christmas in Heaven poems. These sites understand the significance of commemorating departed loved ones during the holiday season and aim to provide meaningful content. Look for reputable grief support websites or online communities.
Personalization service
Some online platforms offer personalized Christmas in Heaven poems that can be customized with names, dates, or personal messages.
Remember, when searching for a free printable Christmas in Heaven poem, take care to select a reputable source and ensure that the print quality is satisfactory. You may also want to consider the design and layout of the printable, choosing one that resonates with your personal preferences and style.
By selecting a high-quality printable, you can create a beautiful tribute to your departed loved ones that can be used as special gifts or for your own Christmas memories.
How to Personalize a “Christmas in Heaven” Printable
Once you have found a suitable printable Christmas in Heaven poem, you can make it even more meaningful by personalizing it.
Adding names and/or personal messages can help you to use a beautiful poem and create a special connection to your loved ones who have passed. The personalized poems can also make a treasured keepsake for years to come.
Here are some suggestions on how to customize or personalize the printable
Include your loved ones name
Consider adding the name of the loved one you have lost to the poem. You can either edit the printable directly, hand-write the name on the finished product or have it personalized by the person you are buying it from on Etsy. Just the act of seeing their name within the poem can bring a sense of closeness, remembrance, and add to your Christmas joy.
Add a personal message
Being able to write your best wishes, thoughts of love and memories on the printable can let you communicate with your loved one. Even if it is a one-sided conversation (as far as we know anyway), it might help you to write a heartfelt message or a short dedication underneath the poem.
Doing this allows you to express your feelings, share your memories, and share your love with the person in heaven. You can either write it by hand or type it and place it near the printable.
Decorate the printable
Why not customize the printable even more and make it even more meaningful to you by adding items that mean something to the two of you? For example, you could try decorative elements like illustrations that hold significance to your loved one. You can decorate the printable by using colored pencils, markers, or even digital editing tools.
For example, did you have a tradition to always view Christmas lights or sing Christmas carols? You could add a drawing that depicts this to the short Christmas poem too.
Do What Makes it Meaningful To You
Whatever you can do to help you remember the magic of Christmas and ease your pain, this is what your loved one would want for you, right? I know my Dad would want me to be happy and it brings me joy to think of him as my own Christmas angel.
Since one of my favorite Christmas movies is “It’s a Wonderful Life”, I like to think of him a little bit like Clarence – except after he has gotten his wings. This is just one of the silver linings I’ve been able to think about after losing my Dad.
However you personalize the printable is a way to make it unique and meaningful to you. It may take several years until you are ready to do something like this too.
That is okay. This is your tribute to your loved one and whatever brings you comfort and joy during the holiday season is what they would want for you too.
Adding a “Christmas in Heaven” Printable to Your Home
Once you have your personalized poem and printable, there are various ways you can incorporate it into your Christmas decorations to make the season a bit brighter.
Here are some ideas to think about:
Frame it
Find a beautiful frame that complements the design of your printable and place it on a mantel, shelf, or table. This will not only showcase the poem but also serve as a visual reminder of your loved ones throughout the holiday season.
Create a memorial corner
Dedicate a specific area in your home as a memorial corner. Arrange candles, photographs, and other meaningful items alongside the Christmas poem. This space can become a peaceful and reflective spot where you can remember and honor your departed loved one. If the thought of doing this is too much, that is okay too. Personally, I wouldn’t have been able to create this kind of memorial display for my Dad – it would have been too painful for me to look at. The first few years, I didn’t want a lot of visible reminders and a whole area would have been too much for me. Everyone is different though, which is why I’m including it here.
Incorporate it into a wreath
If you enjoy crafting, consider making a wreath using artificial foliage, ribbon, and other decorative elements. Attach the poem to the center of the wreath, allowing it to be the focal point. Hang the wreath somewhere that feels right to you.
Use it as a place setting
If you are hosting a holiday gathering or Christmas dinner for family, you could place a personalized copy at each guest’s place setting. This thoughtful gesture can serve as a reminder of the loved one who is no longer with you, allowing their presence to be acknowledged and felt.
Create a memory jar
Get a clear glass jar and cut a copy of the personalized “Christmas in Heaven” printable into small strips. Have family members and friends write down memories or special messages on each strip and place them in the memory jar. Whenever you want to remember your loved one who has passed away, you can read these heartfelt notes.
By incorporating these ideas into your holiday decorations or memorial displays, you create a meaningful connection between the festive season and the memory of your departed loved one. It serves as a heartfelt way to keep their spirit alive during this special time of the year.
Other Ways to Honor Your Loved Ones Memory
There are so many other ways you can honor you loved ones this Christmas and holiday season. Here are some additional ideas to consider.
Purchase an empty chair ornament for your Christmas Tree
These special chair ornaments can be customized with your loved ones name and any other things you would like to note. There is also a “heaven ornament” you can purchase too.
Display pictures of your loved one at Christmas from the past
These pictures and displays can bring you happy memories of Christmas past. They might be able to cheer you up or remind you to be thankful for the time you have with your loved ones during the coming year. (If it just makes you sadder, you may not be ready to display these.)
Perform an act of service
Maybe you want to volunteer at a food pantry or make a charitable contribution in their honor to help others during this special time of year. If the organization has some special meaning for you and your loved one, that may be the most meaningful to you.
Light a candle in their honor
Say a Christmas prayer for them while attending church services or light a special candle at home while thinking of your loved one.
Whichever idea(s) bring the most peace to you are good choices for incorporating into your holiday celebration. As long as it feels true to you and resonates with your emotions and sentiments for your loved one, it will serve as a loving way to remember them in their heavenly home.
Finding Some Peace with Christmas in Heaven Poems
In conclusion, remembering and honoring a loved one who has passed away is an essential part of the grieving process. The concept of printable Christmas poems like these are to provide solace and comfort, and can serve as one way to remember those who are no longer with us.
By using one of these ideas, you can keep the memories of your loved one alive and celebrate their presence during this special time of year.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to cherish the memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us. A “Christmas in Heaven” poem can be a beautiful way to honor their presence and keep their memory alive during this special time of year.
May you find comfort and warmth in the cherished memories of your departed loved ones, and may their spirit continue to bring you joy and peace. Merry Christmas in Heaven to all.
(Please note it is important to check for copyright restrictions that may apply to the use of these poems. As with any other creative work, the intellectual property rights of the poem’s author or creator is protected by copyright, and any reproduction, distribution, or public display of the poem without permission may infringe upon those rights. When using one of these poems, it is advisable to ensure you comply with copyright laws and, if necessary, seek permission from the copyright holder.)
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