We create many traditions and rituals with the ones we love most. When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know which traditions to continue to observe. At Sunset View Cemetery and Mortuary, our caring staff members help families in El Cerrito, Pinole, and Alameda County celebrate their loved ones with funeral, burial, and cremation services. We support families as they navigate life’s most difficult moments and encourage keeping traditions alive after losing a loved one.

Keep sharing their stories.

Sometimes there may be a temptation to avoid speaking about a loved one who has died, especially when around family members. Sharing the stories of the loved ones we’ve lost keeps their memory alive and provides comfort to those who are grieving the loss. Talk about your favorite memories with family members and close friends and encourage them to relive meaningful moments they spent together.

Recognize that change is okay.

After a loved one dies, you may not feel like upholding every tradition you observed while they were alive. Some traditions may continue forward, while others may naturally come to an end. For example, if you used to travel to a certain location with your loved one, it may be too painful to return there, at least in the first several months following a loss.

Put a pause on some traditions.

The grief journey looks different for everyone and after a loss, some people need time away from anything that reminds them of their loved one, however simple it may be. If you and your loved one used to eat frozen yogurt together or stroll around a local park, prehaps you enjoy a new sweet treat or replace walks with bike rides. Try to avoid thinking “never” thoughts while grieving a loved one. Healing takes time, and one day you might feel up to re-engaging in old traditions in a new way.

Start new traditions.

Even after death, you’ll likely still feel connected to your loved one. Creating new traditions that honor their memory can help you as you heal and grieve the loss. Perhaps you pledge to make an annual donation to a charity that your loved one passionately supported. Maybe you create a new holiday tradition of including a chair for your loved one at the Thanksgiving table. Feel free to share these new traditions with family and friends who knew your loved one.

If you have questions about planning a funeral or cremation, please contact our team. We are available 24/7 to help you with whatever you need.