Armagh-based community group Roots & Wings will be hosting a ‘A Gentle Christmas Gathering’ in a short reflection for families who have suffered baby loss.
Together, attendees will hang wooden stars, angels, snowflakes, and baubles on the memorial bench in honour of little ones, followed by a short reflection.
This year, rather than holding the larger ‘Light Up the Night and Walk with the Stars’ event — beautifully created by group member Alisha and inspired by her son Lochlann, whose birthday falls on Christmas Day — they are instead choosing a quieter, more gentle way to come together as Roots & Wings eases into this new chapter.
Alisha had previously held ‘Light Up the Night and Walk with the Stars’ – a walk around Armagh’s Mall – to mark her son’s special birthday.
Sharing her reasoning for changing to the gentle gathering this year, she said via her page @lifeafterlochlann: “Recently, I have been asked about the walk that was inspired by Lochlann, ‘Light Up the Night and Walk with the Stars’.
“I am sad to say that we won’t be holding it this year. This was a hard decision to make, as the walk has meant so much to me and to the many families who come together to remember their precious babies.
“With the beginning of a new chapter and the formation of our Roots & Wings community group, I needed to take a gentle step back from the bigger events while I find my feet again.
“I also want to share that I have a new vision for the future of our baby-loss community, one that focuses on creating softer, local supportive spaces that meet families exactly where they are.”
And while this year is a slight break with tradition, Alisha adds: “Stepping back this year is part of allowing that vision to grow in a thoughtful, grounded way. My hope is that once things settle, ‘Light Up the Night and Walk with the Stars’ will return next year, stronger and more meaningful than ever.
“Thank-you all for your understanding, your kindness, and for continuing to walk this path with us.”
A Gentle Christmas Gathering will be held in the Baby Loss Memorial Garden at the Palace Stables on Sunday, December 21 at 11am.
Everyone is warmly welcome to attend.
