Hospice Yukon would like to invite all Yukoners to the opening ceremony of the 25th annual Lights of Life event on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The ceremony begins at 12:15 p.m. in the foyer of the Elijah Smith Building. We will be joined by the Persephone Singers and light refreshments will be served.
Lights of Life provides an opportunity to honour and remember a loved one who has died with the simple but meaningful ritual of hanging a memorial tag on a Lights of Life tree.
Christmas can be a difficult time when you are grieving the loss of a loved one, whether the loss is new this year or one that happened many years ago. Taking a few moments to reflect and hang a remembrance tag can be a healing ritual during the busy holiday season. You may choose to spend a few moments on your own, come with a friend or co-worker, or come as a family. Many Yukoners come to Lights of Life as an annual holiday tradition.
There are several ways in which to honour a loved one at Lights of Life. You may hang a remembrance tag on a Lights of Life tree, take one home to hang on your own tree, write in the Memory Book, or just sit for a few moments in quiet contemplation.
There are several trees, including a “child tree” to remember children who have died, or for children to remember their loved ones who have died. There is also a pet tree to honour beloved pets.
Bringing children to take part in Lights of Life can be a wonderful way for them to remember a loved one who has died. Loss is part of life and we can give children a lifelong gift by showing them positive ways to grieve and remember special relationships.
The Lights of Life trees at the Elijah Smith Building will be available for hanging tags after the opening ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 15 until 5 p.m., and weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Dec. 21, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Hospice volunteers will be there to offer support and to provide information about Hospice Yukon services.
For those looking for a more quiet and private space they are welcome to visit the tree at Hospice House during office hours, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays from now until Wednesday Dec. 23.
Please check our website for a full list of Lights of Life tree locations. Many Yukon communities are hosting their own grieving ritual with memory trees. Communities should check their own bulletin boards for more information, or the Hospice Yukon website (www.hospiceyukon.net).
Lights of Life is made possible by the many volunteers and local businesses who give generously of their time and other contributions to this meaningful program each year. Thank you all once again.
Stacey Jones
Executive Director
Hospice Yukon Society