The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, one spent surrounded by friends and loved ones 鈥� celebrating, decorating and baking, and toasting all that is merry.
But, as so many know all too well, such occasions can be difficult when one or more of those friends and loved ones is no longer alive to join in.
It doesn鈥檛 matter whether the death was recent or long ago 鈥� or even imminent 鈥� when holidays roll around, the pain of such loss can feel insurmountable.
As difficult as a death can be, there are people and organizations dedicated to helping those who are struggling with it.
Peace Arch Hospice Society is one of those organizations, where staff and volunteers alike put their own understanding of death and grieving to immense use: co-ordinating grief groups, hosting support and education workshops, organizing bedside vigils for terminal patients, and more.
One effort 鈥� a December tradition that spans more than four decades 鈥� is the Celebrate a Life campaign.
Held every year from Dec. 1-23, it invites community members to write the name of a loved one on a commemorative paper dove and hang the delicate tribute on a Christmas tree. The gesture has been described as a recognition of the need to celebrate both life and death, and an invitation to embrace loss and honour those who have died.
鈥淓very year, we are deeply moved by the outpouring of love reflected in the many paper doves placed on our tree, each one a heartfelt tribute and a beautiful reminder of the love and memories that continue to connect us, even through loss,鈥� hospice executive director Amanda McNally said of the ritual.
It鈥檚 important to note that the doves are not simply recycled at the campaign鈥檚 conclusion. They are carefully gathered up and placed in a glass urn on the hospice mantle, kept safe until the society鈥檚 Dove Ceremony. During that, hospice founder Teresa Hotell and some staff members gather to reflect on the memory of each person before the doves are gently placed on a peacefully crackling fire. A moment of silence follows as the ensuing smoke and ashes carries the names away.
Volunteers who man the Celebrate a Life tree display 鈥� set up in Semiahmoo Shopping Centre (1701 152 St.) 鈥� do more than accept donations and hand out information about hospice programs and services. They鈥檙e also always willing to lend an ear to whoever may want or need it.
Such gifts of time and a place to grieve are immeasurable.
Typically, volunteers who pitch in contribute more than 400 hours combined to the event 鈥� not including time spent making the doves.
And while the campaign is one of the society鈥檚 three key annual fundraisers, there are no fees attached, or any pressure to donate. Those who give $20 or more, however, will receive a handpainted, wooden or clay dove as a keepsake.
All proceeds support the society鈥檚 grief and palliative programs, which are offered free of charge to the community.
Their upcoming workshop, Living with Grief During the Holidays, set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, is just such a program, offering support and education on ways to cope during the holiday season after the death of a loved one.
For more information or to RSVP 鈥� or to learn more about the Celebrate a Life campaign 鈥� call 604-531-7484 or visit
