On December 15, Wreaths Across America will hold its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those vets who lost their lives in service to country. This program counts many other locations within its fold, all of them participating in a mass ritual of remembering their loved ones at the holidays. Here at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts, we encourage you to pay similar tribute to your loved one, crafting your own meaningful ritual to do just that.

During the holidays, the loss of a loved one can be heavily felt. It’s a time when we’re gathering together with family and friends, which can often end up underscoring who is not with us. One way to address this is to designate a time to pay your respects to a family member or friend by visiting his or her grave site and placing a wreath there. A simple evergreen circle graced by a red bow will do, as it is both seasonally appropriate and offers a nod to one of our nation’s colors.

Take some time this holiday to acknowledge those you have lost, especially those vets who sacrificed everything in service to country. This is a powerful way to bring your family together, and to introduce its youngest members to the cherished people who came before.