Each Christmas, I enjoy sharing with you all of the homemade gifts and goodies that we are creating around our house. I love sharing recipes and patterns that I hope will bring a little joy as you prepare for the holidays too! It is not always easy for me to share my personal feelings in such a public space, but this season I not only want to share homemade memorial ornaments that are beautiful, but I would like to also share why creating this special remembrance is so deeply personal.
Christmas can be such a tough holiday for those who have lost loved ones. This Christmas is terribly sad for my family. My mom passed away a month ago and I am still struggling daily with the reality of her being gone. In those times when I find myself with a quiet house, I find myself wondering, how could this beautiful amazing woman who impacted so many be gone? She was married to my father for 65 years, and she has left a gaping hole in his life, and in mine. Thankfully, we are left with many good memories, and I am so thankful for the many gifts she gave me. She taught me how to care and love for those around me, and she did this through her living example. I was amazed, but not surprised, to hear how great that impact was when people came and visited us at Hospice. She touched so many lives. I tried hard to reassure her that we would all be okay, and that she could rest easy and let go. I told her that she had trained and loved us all so well (my kind loving brothers an example of this), and that I was beyond thankful she had adopted me and loved me like her very own. I made sure she knew that because of her love, the beautiful way that she lived her life, and the endless and tireless care that she gave to so many in this world–I will forever be better because of her. I am strong and faithful, just like her. I am beyond thankful she taught me my purpose…. to love and care for others. How lucky I am to have such a mother, and how proud I am to be my mother’s daughter. Through the years and the ups and downs, through happiness and struggles and what seemed like a rollercoaster of life, she was steadfast, determined and graceful. She chose love.
my mom and dad
She quietly cared for many. Truly in her we saw a faithful servant who knew her purpose. My cousins summed her up best.
We are saddened this morning that a true angel has gone to the heavens. Our beloved aunt, Mary Lou Haugh passed away at the age of 84. Mary Lou and her family; husband Ivan, children Dennis, Brad, David and Cindy, were some of the most impactful people in our lives. When my mother, brother and I moved to Topeka at a young and impressionable age, the Haugh family were our only support system. Their love, caring and generosity not only helped us survive, it helped mold my brother and I into who we are today. Mary Lou and her family have been a gift from God. We will be forever grateful to them for making us part of their family. We love you, Mary Lou! You are in a place where you will continue to watch over all of us…… from Todd
Mary and Ivan form some of my earliest memories of what it means to be a family – enduring challenges and celebrating triumphs, always bound by unconditional love. While saddened by Mary’s passing, I’m forever grateful for having had her, and the entire Haugh family, in my life. Peace be with you, Aunt Mary…… from Brian.
I couldn’t think of any better song to have had at her funeral.
He sent her and she heard His call. I know He grabbed her immediately and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Memorial Ornaments
So how do you remember someone so special at the holidays? I know you too probably have someone special that you would like to remember. My niece made the most amazing tribute to her grandfather when he passed away. I can’t think of a better way to honor those that are no longer with us.
The most important part of this sweet ornament is a piece of important clothing. My family saw my mom wear this nightgown all the time. It is soft and worn and makes me think of her. So in loving memory I am making these memorial Christmas ornaments as memory gift for my family. We will cherish it hanging on our Christmas tree and have a special memory or her.
How to make a memorial ornaments
Download and print the heart template for memorial ornaments. There are two sizes, I used the smaller. Cut two hearts out of the clothing. Cut a piece of twine, ribbon or cording about 8 inches long.
Baste the hanger on the wrong side of the fabric. This helps keep it in place while sewing. It makes it much easier.
Place wrong sides together and machine stitch all the way around the heart leaving a one inch opening along the the side. Fill the heart with fiberfill and machine stitch closed. This can all be done by hand if desired.
If you like the edge of the memory ornament can be embellished by making a blanket stitch with embroidery floss all the way around the heart.
Here is the sweet poem my niece wrote, change it up for your loved one and attach to your memorial ornaments.
Made from mom’s nightgown by me,
Here is an ornament for your tree.
With love hang this little heart,
So you will never feel apart.
As I sewed this special ornament out of my mom’s nightgown I realized how many hours she spent teaching me to sew. All the patterns and tutorials here on Skip to my Lou wouldn’t be possible without her! What a special legacy she left.
I hope these remembrance ornaments will help you through the Christmas holiday! Hold all those you love dear close to you and remember those fondly that are no longer with you……and always remember to choose love.
Merry Christmas!
This is just the beautiful memory ornament I was looking for! I lost my mom on Sept 12, Christmas will never be the same. I have her old, worn and torn robe that I would like to share with the rest of my family! This is it! My mom also thought me to sew! Thank you!
Thank you so much for this idea. Just this weekend I ran into an old duster my Grandmother wore it was in the donate box in garage. I asked my mom about it and chose not to send for donation it was very worn and just looking at it reminded me of my grandmother. I think I will make as many as I can from the duster and give to my cousins when I see them for their tree. Blessings!!
This is absolutely beautiful, I can’t imagine how hard it is to go thru the Christmas season without your sweet mother. You are very blessed to have such sweet memories of her and the legacy she left behind. God is good all the time and I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family. xo
What a beautiful remembrance ! Made me cry through the entire posting. I am so sorry, I know she was the best in your life. They say time heals, I am not really sure of that, but things go on. Please call or text me anytime you feel the need .
Love you,
Susan
Cindy,
First I am sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing woman.
This is a great way to remember loved ones, I have my grandmother’s scarves, this is perfect for them.
Dear Cindy,
The ornament is such a lovely way to remember and your words are a heartwarming tribute to your mom and the legacy she left. So sorry for your loss.
XO
Kindly, Lorraine
Thanks for sharing this today as my last living Aunt on my Mom’s side died today so will make these ornaments for my adult cousins.
Have you ever heard of the poem, “Christmas in Heaven”? It was originally wrote in memory of a loved one who died during the year and would be spending their 1st Christmas in Heaven. It is a good way to remember the loved one who died by reading it when the family gets together.
Sorry to learn of your Mom’s death recently. Keeping you and your family in prayer.
Such a beautiful tribute to your mom, Cindy! She was so proud of you and your work!
You’re a lasting legacy to Mom in the way you care for others. Love this ornament. If we are lucky enough to receive one, it will have a special place on our tree every year! We are all blessed to have you as our dear sister.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She sounds like a wonderful woman. This ornament is such a sweet idea and so meaningful. Try to have a Merry Christmas!
Oh Cindy..Im so sorry for your great loss. I lost my mom in December 30 years ago..and we just buried my baby brother last week. How important to use their clothing to make a beautiful memorial ornament. How awesome you learned so much from your dear mom. Thanks so much for sharing.
Oh Cindy what a wonderful gesture and thoughtful gift an remembrance for everyone in your family. My mom passed away 27 years ago and I still miss her like crazy. I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas.
Cindy, These tributes touched me more than anything else I’ve experienced, this year. I, too, lost my mom – 42 years ago this month. If only I had something left to sew, but I don’t, so I continue to use her china for special occasions and clean her Christmas goblets. What a blessing that you had Mary Lou for so long. She is definitely smiling at you from her new place in heaven. She is more than proud, and you should be, too. You’re a special lady. Love, April
My condolences on the passing of your Mom. My Mom passed away right before Thanksgiving of this year. Your email was the first one I read this morning and it was very uplifting to see. So I thank you so much for sharing this memorial ornament. It is such a beautiful way to honor a loved ones memory.
Cindy, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. From all of the times you’ve spoken of her, I know that she was an absolutely amazing woman and I know I would have loved her too.
This ornament is beautiful, such a special way to remember a loved one and I’m sure they will be cherished by everyone!
Hugs, love and Merry Christmas my friend. xo