The desire to show sympathy to grieving loved ones is a powerful human trait. It’s hard to watch someone you care about experience deep pain. Although a gift from the heart won’t bring a lost loved one back, it can help soften the pain. More importantly, it can let the recipient know they are not alone and that you care deeply about them. Having a supportive team of people on your side when you’re grieving can have a positive impact on your ability to heal.
If you’re like many people, you may be unsure about the type of gift you should give to someone who’s suffering. It can be difficult to find something that conveys your love in an effective way. Before sending flowers or something just as predictable, consider sending a gift that will warm the recipient’s belly and heart. Here are four reasons why comfort food makes the perfect sympathy gift for anyone who’s experiencing sorrow.
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Table of Contents
It Stirs Up Positive Memories
Fragrant comfort food can evoke a variety of positive memories and emotions. Many people have childhood memories of enjoying comfort foods like soup, pasta, and bread with their families. Eating food tied to beloved memories can stir up positive, peaceful emotions. It can help shift a person’s focus away from their current pain as they indulge in joyful memories. For some, relishing a bowl of warm soup is almost as soothing as getting a heartfelt hug from a loved one.
Before giving someone comfort food as sympathy gifts, it’s important to do your homework. Find out what types of foods the recipient likes and dislikes. That way, you won’t accidentally send them a food item they hate. It’s also wise to find out if the recipient has any allergies so you don’t unintentionally send a gift that could harm them. Finally, if you’re sending a perishable gift, let the recipient know so they can track the item and make sure they’re home when it arrives.
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It Saves Them Time
When you lose a loved one, you’re often so wrapped up in your own emotions that it becomes challenging to take care of yourself. Additionally, if you’re an immediate family member of the deceased, you’ll probably be very busy for a few weeks. In addition to making funeral arrangements, you’ll also need to obtain death certificates, gather financial statements, notify family and friends, and settle debts. It’s no wonder so many family members feel weak and exhausted when a close loved one dies!
Sending comfort food is one of the most thoughtful things you can do for someone who’s just lost a close family member. It saves them time in the kitchen and gives them access to a convenient source of nourishment. This can reduce their stress and give them more time to focus on more pressing matters.
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It Offers Physical Nourishment
Physical nourishment is so important when you’re going through grief. Unfortunately, many people eat less when dealing with grief. They may lose their appetite because of skyrocketing stress hormones. Or they might feel numb because of emotional turmoil and lose their desire to eat. Whatever the underlying reason may be, failing to take in sufficient nutrition during times of grief could backfire.
Insufficient energy in the form of calories can cause grieving individuals to feel weak. It can also make it harder for them to focus on all the things they need to do. Insufficient nutrition can also make people more susceptible to illness and burnout. The good news is that soup and other comfort foods tend to maintain their appeal even when people don’t feel hungry. Sending comfort foods to your loved ones could give them the stamina they need to get through the coming busy days and weeks.
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It’s a Unique, Thoughtful Gift
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the term “sympathy gift?” If you envision vases full of flowers, you’re in good company. Flowers are one of the most popular, readily available gifts you can send to someone in need. While they’re beautiful and can be a pertinent symbol of love and support, they aren’t the most practical gift idea. They don’t typically last very long, and once they die, the recipient has to figure out what to do with the empty flower vases.
Comfort food is a great sympathy gift because it’s unique and thoughtful. It doesn’t clutter countertops for very long because it’s consumed relatively quickly. If you want to make your comfort food basket even more thoughtful, fill it with other comforting items. Ideas include a fuzzy blanket, warm socks, a personalized note, or a book on grief. When you go beyond the typical automatic sympathy gift offerings, you show the recipient how much you truly care.
Conclusion
Everyone goes through grief at some point in their life, but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating each time it happens. You can make the process easier for loved ones by offering your support and sending sympathy gifts from the heart. Instead of having flowers delivered without a second thought, consider making your gift more unique and memorable. You can’t go wrong with comfort food, which is universally appreciated and can help the recipient feel peace, support, and comfort.