The Empty Chair: An online gathering to reflect and remember at Christmas time.
The Empty Chair: An online gathering to reflect and remember at Christmas time.
Share this event
Light a Candle for an Empty Chair at Christmas
An online gathering to reflect and acknowledge the shared experience of grief at Christmas time.
Inspired by the British palliative and bereavement charity Sue Ryder, the Empty Chair campaign, this is a gentle invitation to pause and give space to the loss of a loved one, person or pet, or even a chapter of your life that has come to a close.The Christmas festivities can emphasise the absence and our complex feelings of grief.
Join us for this simple human space. Come as you are with the quiet company of others.
Together we’ll remember, reflect and appreciate the duality of love and loss.
✨ Please note there is no requirement to speak or share. You can have your Zoom camera on or off.
What to expect:
During our hour together, we will:
- Light a candle to mark the person, pet or part of life you’re remembering
- Arrive with a short guided meditation to ground and settle your mind and body
- Take space to acknowledge your feelings - all are welcome
- Write a Christmas message or card to your loved one to act as a simple festive ritual of remembrance
- Enjoy a poem or reading to reflect and uplift
- Close the gathering with a blessing
What you may leave with:
- A knowing that you are not alone, whether you are grieving a recent loss, or nostalgic for something that no longer exists
- A sense of your loved one (human or animal) being held in warm, gentle remembrance
- A moment of calm, compassion and self-regulation in a busy and emotionally loaded season
- A simple Christmas ritual you can repeat at home
Who this is for:
- You’re grieving a person, pet or a chapter of life that has passed on
- Christmas highlights the gap – the empty chair, the quiet corner, the missing presence
- The festive season makes you nostalgic and you sometimes feel inexplicably sad
- You’d value an hour where you don’t have to “be fine”
- You’re curious about being held in gentle, yet private connection of others
- Grief is not linear. All are welcome
Practical Details:
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025
Time: 17:00 GMT - UK - 18:00 CET Madrid
Contribution: £5.00 - proceeds (after ticket fees) to be donated to Sue Ryder - end-of-life care and bereavement support; and Palma Compasiva which belongs to the global movement of The Compassionate Cities model developed by Prof. Allan Kellehear.
Online: Via Zoom - link to follow on registration.
This is a reflective community gathering, not therapy or counselling. Please take care of yourself and reach out for additional support if you need it. Please note there is no requirement to speak or share.
PENNY FOR THE PLANET: Every ticket bought via Ticket Tailor (certified B-Corp & Carbon Neutral) contributes a positive impact to the planet.
Your hosts:
Glynis German – Death Doula & Space-Holder
Glynis is an independent celebrant and writes meaningful ceremonies for weddings, funerals and baby namings. She is a trained end-of-life doula with the British organisation, Living Well Dying Well, and a long-time Death Café facilitator. She is the founder of the Spanish national festival, Giving Life After Death.
Su Dodd – FROM & Co
Su is the founder of FROM & Co, a purpose-led mentoring and events collective, that curates thoughtful, in-person and online gatherings for honest conversation, connection and shared human experiences. With a strong emphasis on community, story, and planet care, From & Co´s focus is on inspiring thoughtful humans, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to grow with clarity, care and courage.