by KarenMarleneLarsen

People commemorate the death anniversary of their relatives in various ways.  Some people read over the obituary and reminisce about the person’s life.  Others make a trip to the cemetery to clean off the headstone and plant flowers.  Watching old videos of their deceased relative proves to be another way relatives remember their deceased family members.  Below are a few other ways to commemorate the death anniversary of a family member.

1.  Scrapbooking:  Using old photographs and flat mementos, you can create a scrapbook of your relative’s life.  On the anniversary death date, you can invite others to help prepare the scrapbook.  Having a group of friends and relatives work together opens the door for an evening of reminiscing and possibly supporting others who continue to grieve.  Creating scrapbooks as a tradition for each deceased relative will build up a library of books to be passed on to family members.

2.  Blogging:  If you want to keep the memory of your loved one alive online, start a blog about him or her.  The blog can include photographs, favorite memories, favorite music, and video.  Others can contribute through comments.  Going to www.WordPress.com and www.blogger.com , you can set up a blog for free.

3.  Fundsraising:  On the anniversary of your loved one’s death, you can participate in or organize a fundraiser to commemorate his or her death.  If your relative’s death was caused by an illness, you can donate your time or money to help further the treatment or eradication of the ailment.  For instance, you can participate in a Relay for Life event if your relative died from cancer.

Death anniversaries can be difficult for many relatives.  However, doing something that celebrates the life your relative lived will make the day a little easier to endure.

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You’ve almost made it to your first wedding anniversary, and it’s almost time to celebrate with your spouse. You want to buy a present, but you’re not sure what to buy. If your mate is somewhat of a traditionalist, your spouse will be looking for a paper gift. Paper is the gift given to celebrate a married couple’s first wedding anniversary. Below is a list of gift ideas that may please your loved one.

1. A book. If your mate is a bibliophile, he or she may appreciate owning the romance novel best seller from the year that you wed or the present romance novel best seller. If your spouse collects antique books, you can try to find a book published fifty years ago on your wedding day. Place a card inside of it that reads, “I look forward to fifty plus more years of loving you,” or “I look forward to growing old with you.”

2. A portrait. You can hire a local artist or an art student to turn your favorite photo into a portrait. Depending on your spouse’s personality and tastes, the artist might create a watercolor or oil painting copy of the photo or a caricature painting. Another idea is to have a paint-by-number portrait created, so you and your spouse can paint the portrait together.

3. Tickets. Take your spouse to a concert, a play, or a sporting event. Airplane tickets to your spouse’s dream location would really put a smile on your mate’s face. Of course, you have to put the tickets in a box and wrap the box. The paper ticket is the gift; the rest is just a bonus!

Have a fantastic first anniversary!

I know that on a wedding invitation it’s a no-no to put anything about gifts, but would it be okay to say something along the lines of “your presence is the only present we request” on our anniversary party invites?