Memorial Christmas Ornament Ideas to Honor a Loved One

The holidays can be the hardest time after losing someone. A memorial Christmas ornament gives them a place on the tree, so they're included in the season instead of missing from it. Here are gentle ideas, for yourself or as a sympathy gift, and some guidance on choosing well.

Why memorial ornaments help

Grief often feels sharpest at moments the person used to be part of. A remembrance ornament doesn't fix that, but it gives the family something to hold, hang and talk about. Many people keep it out all year.

7 memorial ornament ideas

1. A video ornament with a favorite clip

The Glowmory™ Memory Ornament plays a short video on a loop through a small round screen inside a glowing ornament. A clip of them laughing, telling a story or opening presents lets the family see them move again, gently, among the lights.

• Loads over USB-C, with no app or Wi-Fi.
• Stands on a shelf or nightstand after the holidays.
• Your video stays on the ornament. Kindlyra never receives or sees it.

2. Handwriting ornament

Their signature or a line from a card, engraved or printed on an ornament.

3. Photo ornament with name and dates

A favorite photo with their name and years.

4. Fabric keepsake ornament

Made from a piece of their shirt or scarf.

5. Fillable glass ornament

Holding a lock of hair, a small note or dried flowers from the service.

6. Pet memorial ornament

A video of the dog chasing snow or the cat in a box is a joyful way to remember. Pet videos work just like any other clip on a Glowmory ornament.

7. A "With us always" ornament for each family member

Give siblings or grandchildren matching ornaments so everyone has one. The Glowmory ornament is 16% off each when you buy 2 and 25% off each when you buy 3.

Choosing the right clip or photo

• Pick a moment where they look happy and relaxed, not formal.
• Short is better: 10 to 30 seconds.
• If you only have photos, a short slideshow works well. See our guide on how to put a video on a Christmas ornament.
• If you're giving it as a gift and the loss is recent, ask a close family member which video would bring comfort.

Giving a memorial ornament as a sympathy gift

A memorial ornament can mean more than flowers because it lasts. A few tips:

• Keep your note short and warm: their name and "thinking of you this Christmas" is enough.
• Because the video is loaded over USB-C, the kindest option is often to ship the ornament to yourself, load the clip, and deliver it in person or post it on.
• If you can't get a clip, give it unloaded with a note offering to help set it up.

Ways to include a loved one at Christmas

• Hang their ornament first, together.
• Light a candle at dinner and share one story each.
• Cook their signature dish.
• Leave the ornament out on a shelf after the tree comes down.

Frequently asked questions

Is it appropriate to give a memorial gift at Christmas?

Usually yes, if it's chosen with care. A memorial ornament says "we remember them too," which many grieving families find comforting.

Can I use an old video or a scanned photo?

Yes. Scan or photograph old prints in good light, then turn them into a short slideshow video.

Will it arrive in time?

Shipping is free to the US, Canada and Europe and usually takes 5–12 business days after 24–48 hours of processing. Order by Tuesday, December 1, 2026 for Christmas.

What if it arrives damaged?

Contact us within 30 days of delivery and we'll replace it or refund you in full.

Give the person you miss a place on the tree. See the Glowmory Memory Ornament.