The Tree of Lights ceremonies are a longstanding tradition for many families and part of a new holiday ritual for those families who have lost loved ones this year. The holidays can be particularly difficult for those experiencing loss, and the Tree of Lights ceremonies offer a meaningful way to remember loved ones while supporting the mission of Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston. The impact of the Tree of Lights was clearly demonstrated by a letter we received recently from an attendee::

"After attending the wonderful, meaningful tree lighting last night, I am sending a donation for my son, who passed away last year, not from cancer, but by taking his own life. I have also recently recently attended a support group at your facility, ‘Loss of an Adult Child,’ and that is how I found out about the tree ceremony. Please put this check to good use to the many families going through pain and loss of a loved one.”

We gratefully acknowledge the continued support and hospitality of People's United Bank, the Town of Swampscott, the First Church of Swampscott Congregational and BankGloucester. We thank all those individuals who volunteered to help make these events meaningful for those who are coping with loss during the holidays.