• Mention specific memories you have of that person.

• Mail an encouraging card. Include scriptures that are appropriate to their situation.

• Invite him or her to lunch or coffee and be a good listener. Some great questions are, "How are you really doing?" and "What are you struggling with most?" So many people avoid the subject of grief that you may find your friend is longing to talk with someone about what they are going through.

• Send a note to children who have lost their grandparents. A good time would be when they accomplish something their grandparent would have enjoyed seeing. Remind them how proud their grandparent was of them.

• Put the person’s name or picture on the refrigerator and pray during the holidays.

• Make a donation to a cause that their loved one cared about, then send a note to tell your friend what was done in their memory.

• Place flowers at the front of the church in their loved ones memory.

• Encourage other friends to mail notes throughout the Christmas season.

• Be available.

God entered the world that first Christmas to carry a burden we could not carry ourselves. What a wonderful season to do the same for others.

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For ideas to help your family focus on the meaning of Christmas, check out Redeeming the Season (Focus on the Family and Tyndale House). Copyright 2004 by Kim Wier and Pam McCune. Pick up a copy online or at your local bookstore for more in-depth information and ideas on celebrating this unique and spiritual holiday.

Kim Wier is the director of Engaging Women, a ministry of women encouraging women through speaking, writing and broadcasting. The author of four books, an award winning humor columnist and radio talk show host, Kim regularly speaks to audiences around the country with depth and humor that focuses on discovering God in the everyday experiences of life. For more visit www.engagingwomen.com .